Talents that deserved it may thrive on a larger platform thanks to the Women’s Premier League. Two of these gifted people, Asha Shobana and Sajana Sajeevan, turned heads with their performances. The pair will compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 for India, which is set to begin on October 3, after making the Indian women’s side. For the first time, two Keralan athletes will compete for their country at an ICC tournament.
Previous to this, Sreesanth represented India in the 2011 World Cup, while Sanju Samson contributed to India’s victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024. No other male cricket player has ever come from God’s Own Country, as both of the Indian men’s players do. Speaking of Asha, the 33-year-old has taken four wickets in two ODIs and three T20Is while playing for India.
“In a competition the size of the World Cup, the WPL expertise would be helpful. I’ve bowled to most of the WPL’s best hitters, so I know where to pitch them. For a leg-spinner, variation is key, and I’m developing some new ideas. “Hopefully, I can surprise our opponents by bowling a few of those in the World Cup,” Asha stated, as cited by TOI.
Without the WPL, I never would have come here: Sajana Sajeevan
However, Sajana made waves with her final-ball six against the Delhi Capitals, which helped the Mumbai Indians win. The 29-year-old has not played in an ODI, but in nine T20Is, she has scored 30 runs for the squad while batting in four innings. Before making their way onto the national team, Asha and Sajana had to endure a gruelling ten years of competition in the domestic circuit.
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If not for the WPL, I never would have come here. I have to say that I have felt pressure to perform well when batting in the middle, as representing India entails a lot of responsibility. I’m working on improving at it and hoping to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves,” Sajana said.
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