Renuka Singh Thakur has really blossomed in her third season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), taking 10 wickets in only seven games so far. Her path from playing with a cloth ball in her hometown to becoming India’s preferred fast bowler has been nothing short of remarkable.

For Renuka, cricket was more than simply a sport; it was her late father’s unrealized goal, which she overcame all obstacles to accomplish.

“I don’t know how that happened, but I didn’t watch much cricket as a child; it was simply a pastime. I just enjoyed playing. In my village, we used to play with a cloth ball, and the rule was that you had to toss it quickly or it wouldn’t travel very far. I became a quick bowler as a result. My mom and I didn’t discuss my dad much until one day she revealed that it was his pastime. He wanted to play with at least one of his kids. I began to take it seriously, and because cricket was my dad’s ambition, I believe it was created for this purpose,” she said.

Renuka had a very difficult journey to success. After leaving her hometown, she enrolled in a cricket academy and worked her way up the rankings. She was devastated to be cut from the U-19 squad, however, just when she believed she was headed for greatness.

“A lot of things were going on in my family at the time, and I was kicked out of the game as well. I was likewise unable to comprehend how to escape my brother’s accident. However, I like taking on new challenges, so when I was cut from the U-19 squad, I thought about how I could disprove them. if I do well. I thus put forth a lot of effort after that.

When she made her India debut in October 2021 against Australia, her unwavering determination paid off. She was also selected by RCB for the first WPL season in 2023. In her first season, she only took one wicket, but she never stopped learning. She sought guidance in managing pressure from the greatest, Jasprit Bumrah.

After the WPL, I spoke with him for a while. I asked him how to handle it since I felt like I had taken on too much. He informed me that you would become used to it as you play more matches. You feel greater pressure the more people are watching you. However, how you respond to it is important,” she said.

Renuka is back to her best now, having taken 10 wickets and worn the purple hat at different times over the season. For her, playing in the WPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been an exciting experience.

“The RCB supporters are amazing, so I’m fortunate to be playing for them. The whole crowd yells “RCB” as we arrive. It gives us a boost, therefore I like it when the audience yells our name. However, in general, women’s cricket has expanded significantly during the last few years. There are a lot more facilities now, the pay has gone up, and a lot of individuals may see a future in this. Little children play in the village when I return home as well, so it’s nice when they remark, “Didi, I wish I could be like you.” That sense that someone is developing as a result of me is unmatched,” she said.