Scripts history by being first from Himachal in any cricket world cup winning team
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
Basking in the glory of India’s historic triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Renuka Singh Thakur from Rohru near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh remains grounded — quick to credit the man who first recognised her gift for swing bowling and guided her on the right path.
That man is her uncle, Bhupender Singh Thakur, a physical education teacher who saw potential in the young girl playing with her brother and local boys in the village fields and urged her to join the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Academy.
On Sunday (November 2, 2025), as India lifted their maiden women’s world title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, Renuka’s disciplined spell once again showed why she has become the backbone of India’s pace attack.
Though she didn’t claim many wickets, her control and composure in the death overs helped keep the Proteas’ scoring rate under check, a contribution as valuable as any wicket in India’s 52-run win.
Spell that anchored India’s defence
Coming in to bowl the 44th over, with South Africa’s batters looking to accelerate, Renuka kept her calm under pressure. Her sharp inswingers and consistent line restricted the run flow, forcing errors from the opposition.
While the scoreboard credited Deepti Sharma (5/39) and Shafali Verma (87 runs and two wickets) with the statistical highlights, insiders know it was Renuka’s tight bowling that tilted the momentum India’s way.
Her performance epitomised discipline and team spirit, a hallmark of her career. “She always bowled for the team, not for personal milestones,” said a senior HPCA coach. “That’s what sets her apart.”
Journey rooted in family support and grit
Renuka’s rise from the misty hills of Rohru to the world stage is a tale of resilience and mentorship. Losing her father early in life, she was raised by her mother in modest circumstances. But it was her uncle, Bhupender Singh Thakur, who became her first mentor and guide.
“Renuka was a natural athlete with tremendous focus,” recalls Bhupender. “I knew that with proper training, she could make it big.” He persuaded her to apply to the HPCA Residential Academy in Dharamshala in 2009, a decision that transformed her life.
Renuka soon broke into Himachal’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams, and later made national headlines during the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, when she claimed 23 wickets. From there, her climb to the Indian national team was swift, propelled by relentless hard work and quiet determination.
Golden moment for Himachal and India
The 2025 World Cup win was not just India’s moment of glory but also a proud milestone for Himachal Pradesh. Alongside Renuka, batter Harleen Deol from Mandi also featured in the winning squad. HPCA secretary Avnish Parmar described the achievement as “a golden day for women’s cricket in the state.”
“It’s a matter of immense pride that two of our players helped India win its first World Cup,” Parmar said. “Renuka’s story shows what vision, family support, and grassroots systems can achieve.”
Renuka’s educational journey mirrors her sporting perseverance — schooling in Dharamshala and Kangra, followed by higher studies at Guru Nanak Dev University and Khalsa College, Amritsar, and later Government College, Dharamshala.
As India celebrated under the echo of Vande Mataram, Renuka Singh Thakur stood quietly among her teammates — a picture of calm satisfaction. For her, the journey from the small fields of Rohru to the glittering world stage has come full circle. And behind her success stands the man who saw a spark before anyone else, and showed her where to shine.
