Didn’t take many wickets, but disciplined bowling helps India control game’s crucial phases
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
History was scripted on Sunday (November 2, 2025) as the Indian women’s cricket team lifted its first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Among the proud winners was Himachal Pradesh’s Renuka Singh Thakur, whose disciplined bowling helped India control the game’s crucial phases. Though she didn’t bag many wickets, her tight lines and intelligent spells ensured the South African batters never ran away with the chase.
Renuka’s steady spell anchored India’s defence
Renuka Singh Thakur, the pace spearhead from Parsa village in Rohru, Shimla, returned to the attack in the 44th over when South Africa was pushing hard to accelerate. With precise swing and unwavering focus, she built pressure and kept the scoring rate down, exactly what the team needed in that high-stakes moment.
Her role might not have reflected in the wickets column, but it was her disciplined economy that allowed India’s spinners, especially Deepti Sharma, to strike from the other end. This team-first attitude and controlled aggression have made Renuka one of India’s most trusted bowlers in crunch situations.
From village grounds to world stage
Renuka’s journey from a small village in Himachal to the world cricketing stage is one of grit, perseverance and pure passion. Losing her father at a young age, she was raised by her mother in modest circumstances but never let adversity dull her dreams.
She started playing cricket with her brother and local friends in the village grounds, where her natural swing bowling caught the eye of her uncle, Bhupendra Singh Thakur, a physical education teacher. He encouraged her to join the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) academy in Dharamshala, which became the turning point of her career.
From there, Renuka represented Himachal’s under-16 and under-19 teams before making a mark in the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, where she claimed 23 wickets. Her consistency and work ethic soon earned her a spot on the national team, and today, she stands as the backbone of India’s pace attack.
Pride of Himachal, inspiration for India
The victory has brought immense joy to Himachal Pradesh, as both Renuka Singh Thakur and fellow Himachali batter Harleen Deol were part of the winning squad. HPCA secretary Avnish Parmar hailed the duo’s success as a “golden moment” for cricket in the hill state, adding that their achievements will inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.
Renuka’s educational journey, too, reflects her dedication as she completed her schooling in Dharamshala and Kangra, and pursued higher studies at Guru Nanak Dev University and Khalsa College, Amritsar, followed by Government College, Dharamshala.
