'At 33, my career is just starting' - Asha Sobhana unperturbed by age factor as she makes it to national team for Bangladesh tour

The Women's Premier League 2024 was the second edition of the tournament, with the competition providing some exhilarating and stunning displays of cricketing prowess. As compared to the inaugural season, a much more exciting brand of cricket was witnessed as well as a lot of young faces, combined with seasoned campaigners of the game, playing alongside in an edition which was clinched by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the end.

Asha was the second-highest wicket-taker in WPL 2024, scalping 12 wickets in 10 matches, at a distinguished economy of 7.11, with her best bowling figures being 5/22.

However, a truly inspiring tale came to the fore, with Thiruvananthapuram-born Asha Sobhana getting her maiden India call-up at a ripe age of 33. India Women will be touring Bangladesh to face off against the hosts in a five-match T20I series, which is scheduled to commence on Sunday, April 28.

Notably, the bowling all-rounder started playing cricket at the tender age of 13, and had to patiently wait for two long decades for her chance to be selected for India. In an intervew with The Times of India, she stated that she was chuffed when she got to know about the news regarding her inclusion for the tour to Bangladesh, and that she almost envisaged her being in the camp after the kind of campaign she had in the second season of the WPL. 

“I was very happy when I heard the news. After my good show in the WPL, I expected to be in the Indian camp. But getting the India call-up was a pleasant surprise. It felt good,” she said.

Also Read: India Women squad announced for Bangladesh T20Is

Asha radiated nothing but gratitude to the selectors, captain, and vice-captain for backing her potential and abilities, and said that her career is just on the brink of getting underway at the age of 33. She emphasized how experience plays a crucial role when going into more high-profile tournaments, and that after getting her break in the WPL the previous season, she's been enthusiastic and at it with all her heart.

"At 33, my career is just starting. Age is just a number. Experience really matters when you go into bigger tournaments. All credit to the selectors, captain and vice-captain for having faith in me. It motivates me to
work harder. I have been working very hard for the last few years, especially after getting into the WPL," she added.

I want to give my best and make it count: Asha on upcoming Bangladesh tour

With the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup slated to take place in Bangladesh in the months of September and October, the five T20Is will defintely help the Indians becoming attuned to the conditions where the mega event will take place a few months down the line. Asha remarked that the conditions in Bangladesh will be conducive to the spinners and she is excited to give it everything, as and when opportunities come her way. 

Also Read: 15-year-old pacer Habiba Islam named in Bangladesh's squad for T20Is versus India

“For the Indian team, it is a great preparation for the World Cup. We have a very experienced side. The conditions in Bangladesh will help our spinners. I want to give my best and make it count,” concluded Asha.