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WPL 2024: Asha Sobhana, RCB’s Latest Sensation – Will She Make It To The Indian Cricket Team Next?

In the swirling frenzy of the Women’s Premier League  2024 (WPL 2024)season, one name has risen above the rest, captivating fans with her prowess and determination – Asha Sobhana, the 32-year-old leg-spinner hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Her journey to the forefront of cricketing excellence is a tale of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion.

Asha Sobhana’s tryst with cricket began in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Initially a pace bowler for Kerala at the tender age of 13, it was a fortuitous switch to leg spin one evening that changed the trajectory of her career. Encouraged by her astute coach, she embraced the challenge, eventually making her debut for the senior Kerala team at the remarkable age of 14.

Her journey wasn’t devoid of hurdles. Despite a decade-long stint with Railways, Sobhana found herself yearning for greater opportunities. It was a move to Puducherry in the 2022-23 season that provided the much-needed spark. Leading a young team, she caught the eye of RCB scouts, who secured her services for a modest sum of INR 10 lakh at the player auction.

Asha Sobhana has been a force to reckon with for RCB [Image: Getty]
Asha Sobhana has been a force to reckon with for RCB [Image: Getty]
Asha Sobhana’s resilience came to the fore when she weathered setbacks, including losing the captaincy at Puducherry. Undeterred, she embarked on a transformative journey, shedding weight to enhance her fitness and honing her skills under the guidance of former Indian leg-spinner, L Sivaramakrishnan in Chennai.

The pinnacle of Sobhana’s career arrived in the WPL 2024 season opener for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where she etched her name in the annals of history. In a nerve-wracking encounter against UP Warriorz at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sobhana’s seasoned performance steered RCB to a thrilling two-run victory.

She bagged an unprecedented five-wicket haul and an iconic celebration to cap it off. Her stellar display not only propelled RCB to a winning start but also marked her as the first Indian to achieve such a feat in the WPL.

ALSO READ: WPL 2024: Ellyse Perry Helps RCB Beat Mumbai Indias In The Eliminator

Does Asha Sobhana Merit a Selection for the Indian Cricket Team?

This season, at large saw her pocket 10 wickets in 9 matches at an impressive average of 17.1, an economy rate of 7.43, and a striking rate of 13.8– Sobhana’s impact on the WPL stage cannot be overstated and sees her 4th in the list of top wicket-takers in the WPL.

Her knack for spinning webs around opponents and delivering under pressure underscores her potential as a vital asset for the Indian national team. Asha Sobhana’s proficiency as a leg-spinner adds a dynamic dimension to India’s bowling arsenal, one that could prove decisive in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Sobhana’s ability to extract turn and deception from the pitch makes her a potent weapon, particularly on subcontinent tracks where spinners thrive. In a series against Bangladesh, known for its spin-friendly pitches, Sobhana’s guile and control could be invaluable.

Her subtle changes in trajectory and flight provide the much-needed X-factor that could unsettle even the most seasoned opponents as the Indian cricket team would play Bangladesh, the Asia Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in subcontinent conditions.

Sobhana’s recent exploits in the WPL, where she has consistently bamboozled batters with her astute leg-spin, serve as a testament to her form and readiness for international cricket. Sobhana’s inclusion could provide Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur with a strategic edge, especially in situations demanding spin dominance.

Whether it’s containing runs or striking crucial breakthroughs, Asha Sobhana’s leg-spin capabilities offer a compelling case for her inclusion in the Indian team. With India gearing up to face Bangladesh, Asha Sobhana emerges as a formidable force, poised to make a significant impact with her leg-spin prowess.

In a series anticipated to be dominated by spin, Sobhana’s inclusion could prove pivotal, offering India a strategic advantage with her artistry and precision on the field. As the stage is set for an intense showdown in the finals versus Delhi Capitals at WPL 2024, Sobhana stands ready to etch her name in the annals of RCB history, leaving behind a lasting legacy with her exceptional mastery of leg-spin bowling.


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