Biography

Renuka Singh Thakur is an Indian right-arm fast-medium pacer who emerged as a key figure in India’s fast-bowling setup following the retirement of the legendary Jhulan Goswami. Renuka’s professional journey began in 2009 when she enrolled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s residential academy in Dharamsala and started representing the Himachal Pradesh women’s team.

Renuka's breakthrough came during the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One Day League, where she finished as the highest wicket-taker. That performance earned her maiden India call-up for the home series against Australia in August 2021. She made her T20I debut later that year and broke into the ODI side the following year. Renuka’s rise continued in 2022, where she finished as the leading wicket-taker at the Commonwealth Games, where India won the silver medal, and also played a starring role in their successful Asia Cup campaign.

Like many fast bowlers, injuries interrupted her momentum. In 2023, Renuka suffered a stress injury that sidelined her for a significant period, and she had to spend more than six months at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. She made a strong comeback later that year and made her Test debut at home against Australia. The 2024 Women’s T20 League proved to be a quiet one for her personally while representing Bengaluru, although the team went on to clinch their maiden title. A similar pattern followed at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, where India lifted their first-ever title. She was released by Bengaluru ahead of the auction, but Gujarat moved quickly to secure her services for the 2026 edition of the Women’s T20 League.