Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 10: In her third season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Renuka Singh Thakur has emerged as a key force in the team’s bowling attack, scalping 10 wickets in just seven matches. Her journey from a small village, where she played cricket with a cloth ball, to becoming one of India’s top fast bowlers is a story of resilience, determination, and an unfulfilled dream she chose to live for her late father.

For Renuka, cricket wasn’t just a passion—it was a responsibility she embraced after learning about her father’s wish to see one of his children play the sport. “I didn’t grow up watching much cricket; it was just something I enjoyed playing. In my village, we used to play with a cloth ball, and you had to throw it fast to make it travel far—that’s how I became a fast bowler. Later, my mother told me that my father loved cricket and wished for one of us to play. That’s when I started taking it seriously,” she recalled.

Renuka’s path to success was far from smooth. She left her village to join a cricket academy, steadily rising through the ranks. However, just as she seemed to be on track, she faced a major setback—getting dropped from the U-19 team. Adding to her struggles, her brother was involved in an accident around the same time, leaving her questioning her future in the sport. “There were many challenges—family issues, getting dropped from the team—it was overwhelming. But I’ve always loved challenges. After being dropped from the U-19 team, I told myself I needed to prove them wrong. So, I worked even harder,” she said.

Her persistence paid off when she made her India debut against Australia in October 2021. The following year, RCB picked her for the inaugural WPL season. Though she managed just one wicket in her debut season, she never stopped learning. To refine her game, Renuka sought advice from Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah on handling pressure. “I had a long conversation with him after the WPL. I felt like I was taking on too much pressure, so I asked how he manages it. He told me that the more matches you play, the more you get used to it. The pressure will always be there, but how you handle it makes the difference,” she shared.

Now back at her best, Renuka has donned the purple cap multiple times this season. Playing for RCB has been an electrifying experience for her, thanks to the passionate fan base. “I feel lucky to be playing for RCB. The stadium erupts with ‘RCB’ chants every time we step onto the field—it’s an incredible boost. Women’s cricket has grown tremendously in recent years, with better facilities and financial support. When I go home, I see little kids playing cricket in my village, and when they say, ‘Didi, I want to be like you,’ it’s the most fulfilling feeling ever,” she said.

With her unwavering spirit and growing influence, Renuka Singh Thakur is not just winning matches—she’s inspiring a new generation of young cricketers across the country.