Thakur became popular after his solo effort, A goal poacher, Deepak Thakur rose from the junior ranks when he scored a hat-trick in the 2001 Junior World Cup final against Australia leading India to the titleard showing 6–1.

He finished the tournament with ten goals and was named the 'top scorer of the world cup .

Thakur took up hockey on his father's insistence and was among the most consistent scorers in 2003, when Indian hockey made considerable progress winning four tournaments.

He debuted for the senior national team in June 1999 against Germany.

He was part of national squad in 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic.