Renuka Singh Debut, Stats, Age, Net Worth, Records, Bio & ICC Ranking
When Goswami announced her retirement from international cricket, fans wondered who could take her place. The answer came from the hills of Shimla and it was Renuka Singh Thakur. She is a strong right-arm fast-medium bowler who has emerged as India’s new pace speedster. With her discipline, swing bowling and determination, Renuka has emerged as one of the brightest stars in Indian women’s cricket.
Early Life And Background
Born on January 2, 1996 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Renuka grew up in a region that is not traditionally known for producing many cricketers. However, her love for the game started early. She was encouraged by her family and started playing cricket with the boys in her neighbourhood. This was before she joined the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Residential Academy in Dharamshala in 2009.
Her journey was not easy, coming from a small town meant limited resources, few facilities and little experience. Yet, Renuka’s dedication set her apart. She considered Jhulan Goswami, whose speed and longevity had inspired countless young women in India to take up fast bowling, as her role model. Determined to follow in her footsteps, Renuka worked on her fitness, accuracy and ability to swing the ball, all trademarks of a quality fast bowler.
Domestic Career And Rise To Fame
Renuka’s big breakthrough came in the 2019–20 Senior Women’s One Day League, where she finished as the leading wicket-taker. Her remarkable consistency and ability to strike early in the innings caught the attention of the selectors. That season proved to be a turning point in her career, as she was soon called up to the India A Women’s team and then the India Senior Women’s team.
In the Women’s T20 Challenge, she represented the Trailblazers. There, she impressed every fan and player with her performance against some of the best batsmen in the world. Her performance there helped solidify her reputation as one of India’s most promising fast bowlers.
Debut And Success in International Cricket
Renuka Singh Thakur made her T20I debut against the Australia women’s team at the Carrara Oval on October 7, 2021. Even though she didn’t make the headlines, her sharp swing and disciplined line-and-length gave a hint of her potential.
Her ODI debut came a few months later, on February 18, 2022, against the New Zealand women’s team at the John Davis Oval. It was a dream start as she bowled with rhythm, pace and control, which made an immediate impact.
Renuka’s rise has been astonishing. By the time the 2022 Commonwealth Games began, she was India’s go-to bowler with the new ball. She ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, helping India win the silver medal. Her spell against Australia in the final, where she tore through their top order, is one of the finest moments of her young career.
Bowling Style And Strengths
Renuka is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who relies on her accurate and intelligent variation of overs rather than pace. Her biggest weapon is her natural inswinger, a bowling that troubles even the best right-handed batsmen.
She has a compact, rhythmic run-up, followed by a smooth release, which allows her to maintain a consistent line outside off-stump. Her ability to swing the ball both ways in helpful situations makes her extremely dangerous with the new ball.
Career Statistics
Batting
| Format | M | Inn | Runs | BF | HS | Avg | SR | NO | 4s | 6s | 50 | 100 | 200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 2 | 9 | 16 | 8 | 4.50 | 56.25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 22 | 14 | 21 | 51 | 8 | 2.33 | 41.18 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 54 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 4 | 4.00 | 85.72 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | BBI | BBM | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 6 | 300 | 181 | 2 | 90.50 | 3.62 | 150.0 | 1/30 | 2/62 | 0 | 0 | |
| ODIs | 22 | 22 | 1106 | 907 | 38 | 23.87 | 4.92 | 29.11 | 5/29 | 5/29 | 1 | 0 |
| T20Is | 54 | 53 | 1188 | 1261 | 58 | 21.74 | 6.37 |
Renuka’s performances in ODI and T20I formats are different. With a bowling average of under 25 in both the limited-overs formats, she quickly became India’s most reliable fast bowler.
Key Achievements
- Leading wicket-taker at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Part of the Indian team for the 2022 Women’s World Cup
- WPL 2024 champion with Royal Challengers Bangalore Women
- First Indian bowler to take 5 wickets in both ODI and T20I within 2 years of debut
- Represented India in all three formats within just two years of debut, a rare feat
Renuka Singh in The Women’s Premier League (WPL)
When the Women’s Premier League (WPL) was launched in 2023, Renuka Singh Thakur was one of the most sought-after Indian fast bowlers. She was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCBW), a team known for supporting young talent and nurturing future stars.
Her performances for RCBW have been consistent, especially in the 2024 WPL season. In it, she played a vital role in helping the team win their maiden title. Her ability to take wickets in the Powerplay overs and maintain composure under pressure made her a valuable player in the WPL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Renuka Singh Thakur represents a new era of Indian women’s cricket – fearless, skilled and passionate. From the narrow lanes of Shimla to the grand cricket grounds of the world, her story embodies perseverance and pride. With her talent and drive, the future of Indian fast bowling looks secure, swing in hand.
Read More: Pooja Vastrakar Debut, Stats, Age, Net Worth, Records, Bio & ICC Ranking
FAQs
Q1. How did Renuka Singh Thakur begin her cricketing journey?
Renuka started her cricketing journey in 2009 when she joined the HPCA Residential Academy in Dharamshala.
Q2. What makes Renuka Singh Thakur’s bowling unique?
Her biggest strength lies in her natural ability to swing the ball both ways. Her economy rate of under six in T20Is and her ability to strike early make her one of India’s most efficient new-ball bowlers.
Q3. How did Renuka perform at the 2022 Commonwealth Games?
Renuka was a hit at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Her performance was a key part in India’s silver medal win.
Q4. Which team does Renuka Singh Thakur play for in the Women’s Premier League (WPL)?
Renuka plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (RCBW) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). She was a key performer in the 2024 season, helping her team win their maiden WPL title.
Q5. What are Renuka Singh Thakur’s future goals?
Renuka has expressed her desire to become the best fast bowler in the world and help India win major ICC tournaments. Her major leagues are the Women’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup.
