Asha Sobhana, a 33-year-old leg-spinner from Kerala, made her T20I debut for India against Bangladesh in Sylhet on Monday. She claimed two wickets for 18 runs in four overs, playing a crucial role in India’s 56-run victory under the DLS method. Sobhana’s impressive performance was a continuation of her success in the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite RCB’s overall struggles in the tournament, Sobhana showcased her abilities as a dependable leg-spinner, contributing to the team’s eventual victory.
Sobhana’s journey to the international stage has been a testament to her perseverance and unwavering determination. After a brief hiatus from cricket to focus on her job at the Railways, the announcement of the WPL in 2023 rekindled her hopes of continuing her cricketing career. She credits the WPL for providing her with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
Sobhana’s impressive performance in the WPL caught the attention of the Indian selectors, earning her a place in the squad for the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. In her debut match, she displayed excellent control and variation, bamboozling the opposition batters. Her ability to extract turn and bounce from the Sylhet wicket proved instrumental in restricting Bangladesh’s scoring and contributing to India’s dominant victory.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year, Sobhana’s emergence as a reliable leg-spinner is a timely boost for the Indian team. Her experience and success in the WPL have demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions. As India gears up for the global tournament, Sobhana’s presence in the squad will provide the team with added depth and versatility in the spin department.
