Renuka Singh Thakur’s Incredible Journey: From Cloth Ball to Cricket Stardom

Renuka Singh Thakur: From Village Cricket to WPL Sensation

Renuka Singh Thakur’s rise in Indian cricket is nothing short of inspiring. The fast bowler, now an integral part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has cemented her place as one of the most promising pacers in the game. With 10 wickets in just seven matches this season, she has not only regained top form but has also worn the coveted purple cap at various points in WPL 2025.

However, her journey to cricketing glory was far from easy. From growing up in a small village playing cricket with a cloth ball to fulfilling her late father’s dream, Renuka’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and sheer determination.

A Childhood Dream Inspired by Her Father

For Renuka, cricket wasn’t just a sport it was a connection to her late father’s unfulfilled dream. She grew up unaware of how much cricket meant to her father until one day, her mother shared his passion for the game. That moment became a turning point for her.

“I hadn’t seen much cricket as a kid. It was just a hobby at first. In my village, we played with a cloth ball, and the rule was that you had to throw it fast for it to travel far. That’s how I became a fast bowler,” Renuka recalled.

Learning about her father’s dream gave her a purpose, and she decided to pursue cricket seriously. This decision led her to leave home and join a cricket academy, where she trained rigorously to develop her skills.

Overcoming Setbacks to Chase Her Dream

Renuka’s journey to success wasn’t without obstacles. Despite showing immense promise, she faced setbacks when she was dropped from the U-19 team. At the same time, her family was dealing with personal struggles, including her brother’s accident, which added to her emotional burden.

“There were so many things happening at that time. I was dropped from the U-19 team, and my family was facing difficulties. But I love challenges, and I knew I had to prove myself. So, I worked even harder,” she said.

That persistence paid off when she made her India debut against Australia in October 2021. From that moment on, Renuka never looked back, making an impact on the international stage with her consistent performances.

Learning from the Best: Renuka’s Interaction with Jasprit Bumrah

One of the defining moments in Renuka’s career came after her debut WPL season in 2023 when she struggled to make an impact, taking just one wicket. Instead of letting it affect her confidence, she sought advice from one of India’s finest fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah.

“I had a long conversation with him after the WPL. I told him that I was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, and he gave me some great advice. He said the more matches you play, the more you get used to the pressure. It’s always going to be there, but how you handle it is what makes the difference,” she shared.

With that advice in mind, Renuka refined her approach, and in WPL 2025, she has been in top form, dismantling batting line-ups with her precise pace and movement.

Thriving in the WPL and the RCB Experience

Now a key bowler for RCB, Renuka thrives under the immense support of the franchise and its passionate fanbase. Playing for RCB has been a dream come true for her, and the electric atmosphere at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pushes her to give her best.

“I feel lucky to play for RCB because the fans are incredible. When we enter the stadium, the entire crowd chants ‘RCB!’ It gives us a huge boost. Women’s cricket has grown so much, and now young girls in my village tell me they want to be like me. That’s the best feeling,” she said.

A Role Model for Young Cricketers

Renuka Singh Thakur’s journey from a small village to becoming one of India’s premier fast bowlers is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the country. Her determination, resilience, and willingness to learn have set her apart as a rising star in women’s cricket.