Renuka Singh Thakur Biography (Cricketer): Wiki, Age, Family, Boyfriend, Career & More
Renuka Singh Thakur is an Indian cricketer and fast bowler for Team India and RCB. Explore her biography, career, records, and inspiring journey.
Renuka Singh Thakur is a talented Indian cricketer who has made a mark as one of the finest fast bowlers in women’s cricket. Known for her pace, discipline, and ability to swing the ball both ways, she represents the Indian national women’s cricket team, Himachal Pradesh in domestic cricket, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
From a small village in Himachal Pradesh to international recognition, Renuka’s story is an inspiring example of dedication, patience, and hard work.
Early Life and Education
Renuka Singh Thakur was born on 2 January 1996 in Village Parsa, Rohru, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. She grew up in a modest family and lost her father at a young age. Despite financial challenges, her mother, Sunita Thakur, worked hard to support the family and encouraged Renuka to follow her dreams.
Renuka’s passion for cricket began in her childhood when she played with her elder brother and other boys in her village. She joined the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s Women’s Residential Academy in Dharamshala in 2009. With training from her coaches Pawan Sen and Veena Pandey and motivation from her uncle Bhupender Singh Thakur, she developed into a skilled fast bowler.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Renuka Singh Thakur |
|---|---|
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium-fast |
| Date of Birth | 2 January 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 Years |
| Birthplace | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Rohru, Himachal Pradesh |
| Height | 5’4” (162 cm) |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Domestic Teams | Himachal Pradesh, Railways, Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Coach/Mentor | Pawan Sen, Veena Pandey |
| Education | G.S.S. School, Dharamshala; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Khalsa College, Amritsar; Government College, Dharamshala |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Cooking, Watching Films, Playing Video Games |
| Tattoo | Inked on her right arm |
Cricket Career
Renuka started her domestic cricket journey with the Himachal Pradesh women’s team. Her consistent performances soon made her one of the most promising pacers in the circuit. She rose to fame in the 2019–20 Senior Women’s One Day League, where she became the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets.
Her strong domestic performance earned her a call-up to the national team in August 2021 for the Australia series. She made her T20I debut on 7 October 2021 and ODI debut on 18 February 2022 against New Zealand.
In 2022, she was part of the Indian squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and later for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India won a silver medal. Renuka finished as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 11 wickets.
In 2023, she impressed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by taking a five-wicket haul against England. Her ability to take wickets with the new ball made her one of India’s most dependable pacers.
Renuka made her Test debut in December 2023 against England and continued to deliver strong performances in ODIs and T20Is. In December 2024, she took her first ODI five-wicket haul against West Indies.
She continues to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she is recognized for her sharp line and length and ability to dominate powerplays.
Career Highlights
| Year | Tournament / Event | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Senior Women’s One Day League | Leading wicket-taker (23 wickets) |
| 2021 | India T20I Debut vs Australia | Made international debut |
| 2022 | ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup | ODI debut and consistent performance |
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games, Birmingham | Leading wicket-taker (11 wickets), Silver Medal |
| 2023 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | 5-wicket haul vs England |
| 2023 | Test Debut | Debuted vs England |
| 2024 | Women’s T20 World Cup | Represented India |
| 2024 | ODI Series vs New Zealand | Key performer with the ball |
| 2024 | ODI vs West Indies | Took maiden ODI five-wicket haul |
| 2025 | WPL Season with RCB | Continued as strike bowler |
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 2 | 1/30 | 90.50 | 0 |
| ODI | 19 | 35 | 5/29 | 22.02 | 1 |
| T20I | 54 | 58 | 5/15 | 21.74 | 1 |
Personal Life
Renuka Singh Thakur is unmarried. She is very close to her mother, Sunita Thakur, who has been her biggest support system. Her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, passed away in 1999 when Renuka was three years old. He worked for the Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Public Health Department.
After his death, her mother joined the same department as a Class IV employee to raise her children. Renuka shares a strong bond with her elder brother, Vinod Thakur, who also played a key role in encouraging her interest in cricket.
Family
| Relation | Name / Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Late Kehar Singh Thakur (Himachal Pradesh Irrigation Dept.) |
| Mother | Sunita Thakur (Government Employee) |
| Brother | Vinod Thakur |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Body Measurements
| Height | 5’4” (162 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Tattoo | Yes, on her right arm |
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| @renukasinghthakur | |
| Twitter (X) | @renukaofficial |
| Renuka Singh Thakur | |
| Wikipedia | Renuka Singh Thakur Wiki |
Lesser Known Facts
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Renuka’s father was a big cricket fan and named her brother after cricketer Vinod Kambli.
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She joined the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Academy in Dharamshala at the age of 13.
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Her cricket idols are Zaheer Khan and Harpreet Dhillon.
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She was employed by the Indian Railways before making her India debut.
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She was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹1.5 crore in the inaugural WPL auction.
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She became India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
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Renuka is known for her calm attitude and discipline both on and off the field.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Renuka Singh Thakur?
Renuka Singh Thakur is an Indian women’s cricketer and fast bowler who plays for Team India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL.
Q2. What is Renuka Singh Thakur’s age?
She is 29 years old as of 2025.
Q3. When did Renuka Singh Thakur make her debut?
She made her T20I debut on 7 October 2021 and ODI debut on 18 February 2022.
Q4. What are Renuka Singh Thakur’s major achievements?
Leading wicket-taker in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a five-wicket haul in the 2023 T20 World Cup.
Q5. Which team does she represent in the WPL?
She represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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