Asha Shobana, the leg-spinner from Tamil Nadu, has etched her name in the annals of Indian cricket history. On May 6, 2024, during the fourth T20I against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sobhana made her international debut for India at the age of 33 years and 51 days.
This feat makes her the oldest debutant in Indian women’s cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Seema Pujare, who debuted at the age of 31.
Asha Shobana redefines age with a stellar performance in WPL
Sobhana’s journey to international cricket is a testament to her perseverance and dedication to the sport. Despite starting her domestic cricket career at a relatively late age, she has consistently performed well, earning her place in the national team. Her exceptional performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, where she was among the leading wicket-takers, played a significant role in her selection.
Interestingly, Sobhana is not just the oldest debutant in Indian women’s cricket but also one of the few who made their debut after the age of 30. This is a rarity in a sport where players often start their international careers in their early twenties or even late teens.
Two debutants has featured in today's fourth T20I between India and Bangladesh 🏏
▶️ Habiba Islam Pinky is the second youngest debutant for 🇧🇩
▶️ Asha Shobana is the oldest debutant in T20Is for 🇮🇳#India #Bangladesh #T20I #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Jw50V4RYwC— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) May 6, 2024
Sobhana’s debut is a significant milestone in her cricketing journey. She replaced Shreyanka Patil in the playing XI for the fourth T20I against Bangladesh. Prior to her debut, Sobhana had already made a mark in domestic cricket. She became the first Indian to pick up a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Premier League during the 2024 season while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The debut of Sobhana at the age of 33 sends a strong message to aspiring cricketers that age is just a number. It underscores the fact that with hard work, determination, and consistent performance, one can achieve their dreams regardless of their age.
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