Asha Sobhana: India's Oldest Woman Cricketer Makes History at World Cup

Asha Sobhana: India’s Oldest Woman Cricketer Makes History at World Cup

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.

Kohli's Sportsmanship Silences Crowd, Earns Respect for Steve Smith

Kohli’s Sportsmanship Silences Crowd, Earns Respect for Steve Smith

In a remarkable display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli silenced the jeering crowd and earned widespread respect during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash between India and Australia at The Oval in London on June 9, 2019.

The backdrop of this moment lies in the infamous ball-tampering scandal of 2018, which involved Australian batsman Steve Smith and his teammate David Warner. The scandal rocked the cricketing world and resulted in a 12-month suspension for both players. By the time the 2019 World Cup arrived, Smith and Warner had returned to international cricket, but their reputation had been tarnished.

During the India-Australia match, the crowd’s hostility towards Smith was palpable. Every time he approached the boundary or appeared on the screen, sections of Indian supporters booed him relentlessly, reminding him of the ball-tampering incident. This negativity caught the attention of Kohli, who was batting at the time.

Despite the intense rivalry between India and Australia, Kohli’s sense of fairness and respect for the game prevailed. In a moment of pure sportsmanship, he gestured to the crowd, urging them to cease their booing and instead show Smith some respect. He waved his hands towards the fans, encouraging them to applaud Smith rather than ridicule him.

Kohli later explained in a post-match interview that he felt uncomfortable seeing Smith being treated in such a manner. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes in life and that it was important to let bygones be bygones. According to Kohli, Smith had served his punishment and deserved respect for his return to the sport.

Kohli’s unexpected act won him praise from fans, players, and commentators alike. Steve Smith later expressed his appreciation for Kohli’s gesture, calling it a “kind and respectful” act. Kohli’s intervention became one of the highlights of the tournament, showcasing that even in the heat of intense competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect can shine through.

Sachin Tendulkar's Unforgettable Innings with Tissue Paper in Underwear

Sachin Tendulkar’s Unforgettable Innings with Tissue Paper in Underwear

Sachin Tendulkar’s Unforgettable Innings with Tissue Paper in Underwear

In his autobiography, “Playing It My Way,” cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar revealed a remarkable incident during the 2003 ICC World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg. Despite battling an upset stomach, Tendulkar played a pivotal innings, scoring 97 runs off 120 balls.

However, the most surprising aspect of his performance was that he batted for 160 minutes with tissue paper inside his underwear. Tendulkar’s stomach discomfort was so intense that he had to make frequent trips to the dressing room during drink breaks.

“I added a teaspoon of salt to my energy drinks, thinking it would aid recovery, but it upset my stomach. The discomfort was so intense that I had to bat with tissues in my underwear. I even returned to the dressing room during one of the breaks, feeling very uncomfortable out in the middle,” Tendulkar recalled.

Despite the physical discomfort, Tendulkar played a crucial role in India’s 183-run victory. His innings was a testament to his determination and resilience. However, the Man of the Match award went to Javagal Srinath for his remarkable bowling figures of 9-1-35-4.

Tendulkar’s performance in that match was just one highlight of his exceptional tournament. He emerged as the highest run-scorer, amassing 673 runs in 11 matches at an average of 61.18. His tally included 1 century and 6 half-centuries.

Tendulkar’s heroics helped India reach the ICC 2003 World Cup final, where they faced Australia. However, Australia proved too strong, posting a massive total of 359/2. India’s chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 234 in 39.2 overs.

Despite the disappointing result in the final, Tendulkar’s performance in the tournament cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure is a testament to his unwavering spirit and exceptional talent.

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

Legendary cricketer and former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emphasized the significant role that luck plays in determining the outcomes of major cricket matches. Reflecting on India’s recent ICC campaigns, Dravid highlighted the team’s defeat in the ODI World Cup final against Australia and their subsequent victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa as examples of how fortune can influence even the most well-prepared teams.

India entered the ODI World Cup final with an unblemished record, having won 10 consecutive matches. However, in the final against Australia, things did not go according to plan, and Australia emerged victorious, leaving Indian fans disappointed. Six months later, Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma had another opportunity for glory in the T20 World Cup final against a formidable South African team. On this occasion, luck favored India.

Speaking at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards, where Dravid received the Lifetime Achievement Award, he discussed the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat in high-stakes matches. “I’ve had time to reflect on it. I’ve had time to reflect on a lot of things we’ve done. You do realize, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right. Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck,” Dravid said.

Dravid recounted the intense moments in the T20 World Cup final, where India defended 30 runs from the last 30 balls. He credited the team’s execution and Rohit’s calmness under pressure but also highlighted a pivotal moment when Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch at the boundary dismissed David Miller, changing the course of the game in India’s favor.

“Sometimes, it’s the skill, but you also need someone who can keep their foot within one inch of a line,” Dravid said, referring to Yadav’s game-changing catch.

In contrast, Dravid recalled how Australia’s Travis Head rode his luck to score a match-winning century in the ODI World Cup final, despite India’s bowlers frequently beating his bat. “I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head’s bat 15 times — he didn’t touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes,” Dravid noted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports.

As he steps down from his coaching role, Dravid expressed optimism about the future of Indian cricket. He believes that under the leadership of players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, the team will continue to achieve great success on the global stage.

Sri Lanka Cricket Announces Pay Hike for International Players Ahead of T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket Announces Pay Hike for International Players Ahead of T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a significant pay hike for its international cricketers in a bid to boost the country’s performance ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The move aims to incentivize players and sustain the red-ball format of the game amidst the growing popularity of white-ball cricket.

The pay hike applies to all categories of players, with the biggest increase being awarded to Test cricketers. The match fee for a Test match has been increased by 100% on a merit basis, with players receiving $15,000 for a win, $12,500 for a draw, and $10,000 for a loss.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva emphasized the importance of safeguarding the legacy of Test cricket, stating that the pay hike is a testament to the board’s commitment to the format.

The match fee for ODIs and T20Is has also been increased by 25%, from $3000 to $4000. Additionally, SLC has introduced a one-time payment for players who achieve top rankings in the ICC Player Rankings.

The 41 contracted players include Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Nishan Madushka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Janith Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Akila Dananjaya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwan Thushara, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dushan Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Binura Fernando, Shevon Daniel, Niroshan Dickwella, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, and Avishka Fernando.

The pay hike is expected to boost the morale of the Sri Lankan cricket team and provide them with the necessary motivation to perform well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and other international tournaments.

Aaron Finch Slams Critics Questioning Virat Kohli's T20I Place

Aaron Finch Slams Critics Questioning Virat Kohli’s T20I Place

Aaron Finch, the former Australian captain, has vehemently defended Virat Kohli’s place in India’s T20I setup, dismissing criticism of the star batter as “the biggest rubbish I have ever heard.”

As the ICC T20 World Cup approaches, debates have intensified over Kohli’s suitability for modern T20 cricket. Some have questioned his conservative approach, arguing that it does not align with the aggressive style prevalent in the format.

However, Finch believes that Kohli’s experience and proven track record make him an indispensable asset to the Indian team. “He is the greatest white ball player I have ever seen,” Finch declared. “It does not matter if he strikes at 140 and other guys strike at 160. When you pick up a team, you pick up a guy who gets the job done day in and day out for his team during big games.”

Kohli’s recent performances have silenced his critics. In his previous IPL game against Punjab Kings, he smashed a majestic 77 off 49 balls, striking at over 157. He also took on bowlers aggressively during the middle overs, showcasing his adaptability to different situations.

Kohli’s impressive T20I resume further supports Finch’s argument. He is the highest run-getter in the format, with 4,037 runs in 117 matches at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138. He is also the leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 7,361 runs in 239 matches.

In the ICC T20 World Cup, Kohli is the most decorated batter and its leading run-scorer. He has scored 1,141 runs in 27 matches at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30. He was the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in 2014 and 2016, when India finished as runners-up and semifinalists, respectively.

Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistent contributions to the team make him a valuable asset for India. As Finch rightly pointed out, his experience and proven track record should outweigh any concerns about his strike rate.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart