Asha Sobhana, a 33-year-old allrounder, made history on May 6, 2024, when she became the oldest Indian woman cricketer to make her international debut. Her impressive performance against Bangladesh, where she claimed two wickets in three overs while conceding only 18 runs, earned her a place in the Indian team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Sobhana’s journey to the international stage began in 2004 when she met Aaron George Thomas, her childhood coach, at a camp for women cricketers in Kochi. Thomas, a renowned coach with over two decades of experience, recognized Sobhana’s talent and played a pivotal role in her development.
Under Thomas’s guidance, Sobhana honed her skills and went on to represent the Kerala Women’s Senior Cricket team. She also had stints with the South Central Railway (SCR) and Puducherry teams before joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023.
Sobhana’s performance in the WPL was exceptional. She emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in 10 matches, including a five-wicket haul against UP Warriorz. Her impressive bowling earned her a call-up to the Indian team for the World Cup.
In the World Cup, Sobhana made her mark in India’s match against New Zealand. She dismissed the dangerous Georgia Plimmer, who had scored a blistering 34 runs in 23 balls. Despite India’s defeat, Sobhana’s performance showcased her potential and earned her praise from fans and experts alike.
Thomas, who watched Sobhana’s international debut from his home in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his pride in his former pupil. He highlighted her dedication and hard work, which had culminated in this historic moment.
Sobhana’s success has also been a boost for women’s cricket in Kerala. With two players from the state (Sobhana and Sajana Sajeevan) in the current World Cup squad, Kerala has gained recognition for its contributions to the sport.
Thomas believes that Kerala women’s cricket has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to initiatives such as the Kerala Cricket Association’s Pink tournament and the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Women’s Cricket T20 Tournament. He also credits the emergence of cricket academies specifically for women for the growing interest in the sport.
Sobhana’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, especially young girls. Her determination and perseverance have paved the way for her to achieve her dreams. As she continues to represent India on the international stage, she serves as a role model for future generations of women cricketers.
