The Indian women’s cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday. As India gears up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, two players from Kerala, Asha Sobhana and Sajeevan Sajana, are ready to make their mark on the global stage. These two talented cricketers, who have risen through the ranks of Indian cricket, are set to showcase their skills in their debut World Cup, aiming to contribute significantly to India’s campaign.
Asha Sobhana: Late Bloomer with Big Ambitions
Asha Sobhana’s cricket journey began in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where she discovered her passion for the sport at a young age. Mentored by former Kerala captain Shabina Jacob, Sobhana initially started as a pace bowler before transitioning to leg spin, a change that would define her career. After honing her skills at the MAC Spin Foundation, Sobhana made her domestic debut for Kerala in 2006 and steadily built a reputation as a formidable all-rounder.
Her domestic success led to her being signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she impressed with her bowling, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season.
At the age of 33, Sobhana made her T20 International debut against Bangladesh, setting a record as the oldest Indian woman to debut in the format. Now, as she prepares for her first World Cup, Sobhana is ready to bring her experience and skill to the international stage.
Sajeevan Sajana: From Wayanad to T20 World Cup Dreams
Sajeevan Sajana’s story is one of determination and perseverance. Hailing from Mananthavady in Wayanad, Kerala, Sajana’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. With a background in various sports, including football and athletics, she eventually found her calling in cricket. Sajeevan Sajana’s rise in domestic cricket was swift, and her leadership in Kerala’s under-23 team to a Twenty-20 Super League title in 2019 was a testament to her potential.
Her big break came when she was signed by the Mumbai Indians for the WPL, where she made headlines with a last-ball six to secure a victory for her team.
Sajeevan Sajana’s all-round abilities caught the attention of the national selectors, earning her a spot in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series in 2024. As she heads into her first World Cup, Sajana’s journey from a small town in Kerala to representing India on the world stage is nothing short of inspirational.
Eyes on Prize: Women’s T20 World Cup
Both Asha Sobhana and Sajeevan Sajana have come a long way from their humble beginnings in Kerala. Their inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. As India faces tough competition in Group A, which includes powerhouses like Australia and New Zealand, the contributions of Sobhana and Sajana could prove crucial in India’s quest for glory.
With the backing of their experiences in domestic cricket and the WPL, these debutants are ready to make waves in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. As they don the Indian jersey on the world stage, all eyes will be on these two talented cricketers from Kerala, who are poised to make a significant impact in their debut World Cup.
