Thiruvananthapuram: Following in the footsteps of Minnu Mani, the first Kerala player to join the Indian women's cricket team, fellow Malayalis Asha Sobhana and S Sajana have been given their maiden call-up for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Though the recognition has come a bit too late, it opens a window of opportunity for the duo ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup that will be held in Bangladesh later this year. The five-match series in Bangladesh will run from April 28 to May 9, with Harmanpreet Kaur captaining a much-changed side that does not include Minnu.
Leg spinner Asha played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's title win in the recent Women’s Premier League. She was the second-highest wicket-taker in the league with 12 wickets. On the other hand, all-rounder Sajana impressed for the Mumbai Indians.
Two decades ago, Asha made her debut for the Kerala senior team at the age of 13, quickly establishing herself as an important member of the side. Her exceptional all-round skills propelled the team to new heights, and she etched her name in history as the first woman cricketer from Kerala to notch a century at the national level.
Serving as the team’s captain from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2018, Asha’s leadership was instrumental in shaping Kerala’s cricket journey. Amidst her cricketing endeavours, she secured a job with the railways in Hyderabad. For the last two years, Asha has held the captaincy of the Puducherry team and also served as vice-captain of the South Zone.
Despite being part of the potential squad for a series against the West Indies in 2012 and two World Cups, Asha, now 33, has finally earned her place in the national team after years of anticipation. Born to B Joy, an auto-rickshaw driver, a native of Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram, and S Sobhana, Asha’s journey is the story of perseverance and dedication.
Similarly, Sajana emerged as a cricketing sensation in the Kerala team under Asha’s captaincy. Starting her cricketing journey during her plus-two days, Sajana earned her spot in the Kerala team at the age of 18. She was a member of the U-23 Kerala team that won the national championship.
Since 2012, the 28-year-old has been a member of the Kerala senior team. Notably, she captained the South Zone for two years. Born to G Sajeev, an auto-rickshaw driver in Chuttakkadav, Mananthavadi, and Sharada Sajeev, a councillor of Mananthavadi Municipality, Sajana’s story embodies talent and resilience in the face of challenges.
