Cricket

India Swaps Sobhana for Yadav in Final Group FixtureIn a last-minute change, India has replaced legspinner Asha Sobhana with left-arm spinner Radha Yadav for their crucial final group match against Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup. The swap required Australia's consent, which was granted.Sobhana suffered a knee injury during the warm-up session before the toss and was unable to participate in the game. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring her progress.Yadav's inclusion provides India with an additional bowling option and lower-order batting depth. She has not started in the first three games but made a significant impact in the win over Sri Lanka with a spectacular catch at extra cover.Australia also suffered a major setback with captain Alyssa Healy ruled out due to a leg injury. Healy, who injured her right foot in the previous game, was seen using crutches to walk. Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck was also ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after dislocating her right shoulder in the same match.India's head coach, Amol Muzumdar, had a lengthy one-on-one bowling session with Yadav on the eve of the match, indicating her importance to the team's plans.The change in India's playing XI highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the importance of having a versatile squad capable of adapting to different situations.

Asha Sobhana, a 33-year-old allrounder, made history on May 6, 2024, when she became the oldest Indian woman cricketer to make her international debut. Her impressive performance against Bangladesh, where she claimed two wickets in three overs while conceding only 18 runs, earned her a place in the Indian team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.Sobhana's journey to the international stage began in 2004 when she met Aaron George Thomas, her childhood coach, at a camp for women cricketers in Kochi. Thomas, a renowned coach with over two decades of experience, recognized Sobhana's talent and played a pivotal role in her development.Under Thomas's guidance, Sobhana honed her skills and went on to represent the Kerala Women's Senior Cricket team. She also had stints with the South Central Railway (SCR) and Puducherry teams before joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2023.Sobhana's performance in the WPL was exceptional. She emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in 10 matches, including a five-wicket haul against UP Warriorz. Her impressive bowling earned her a call-up to the Indian team for the World Cup.In the World Cup, Sobhana made her mark in India's match against New Zealand. She dismissed the dangerous Georgia Plimmer, who had scored a blistering 34 runs in 23 balls. Despite India's defeat, Sobhana's performance showcased her potential and earned her praise from fans and experts alike.Thomas, who watched Sobhana's international debut from his home in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his pride in his former pupil. He highlighted her dedication and hard work, which had culminated in this historic moment.Sobhana's success has also been a boost for women's cricket in Kerala. With two players from the state (Sobhana and Sajana Sajeevan) in the current World Cup squad, Kerala has gained recognition for its contributions to the sport.Thomas believes that Kerala women's cricket has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to initiatives such as the Kerala Cricket Association's Pink tournament and the Comrade Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Women's Cricket T20 Tournament. He also credits the emergence of cricket academies specifically for women for the growing interest in the sport.Sobhana's journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, especially young girls. Her determination and perseverance have paved the way for her to achieve her dreams. As she continues to represent India on the international stage, she serves as a role model for future generations of women cricketers.

India will aim to clinch the three-match ODI series against South Africa when the two teams meet in the second match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 19. The hosts hold a 1-0 lead after their commanding 143-run victory in the series opener.In the first encounter, Smriti Mandhana led India's batting with a magnificent century (117), ably supported by all-rounders Deepti Sharma (37) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 n.o.). The bowlers, spearheaded by debutant Asha Sobhana (4/21), then restricted South Africa to a paltry 122.However, India's top-order batters will be under scrutiny in the second match. Opener Shafali Verma has struggled in recent ODIs, scoring just 21 runs in her last six innings, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has managed only 41 runs in five matches. The duo will need to step up and provide a solid foundation for the middle order.Pooja Vastrakar's fitness will also be a concern for India. The 24-year-old left the field with a knee injury during the first ODI, but she bowled in the nets on Tuesday. Her availability for the second match remains uncertain.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first match. After letting India off the hook from 99 for five, their batting collapsed, with only Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp making starts.The Proteas will have a full squad to choose from for the second ODI. Pacer Nadine de Klerk confirmed that the illness that had sidelined several players, including herself, in the first match is now behind them. However, she remained tight-lipped about Kapp's return to bowling following a back injury.With the series on the line, both teams are expected to field their strongest possible lineups. India will be confident of sealing the series victory, while South Africa will be determined to level the score and force a decider in the third match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans have always been vocal in their support for their team, even in unrelated sports events. This was evident once again at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 16, where a section of supporters erupted into chants of "RCB, RCB" during India women's emphatic 143-run ODI victory over South Africa.The chants were not entirely out of place, as two key contributors to RCB's recent Women's Premier League (WPL) triumph were on display. Smriti Mandhana, who captained RCB to the title, scored a magnificent 117-run knock, while leg-spinner Asha Sobhana claimed a four-wicket haul on debut.Mandhana's century was a testament to her determination and resilience. She had crossed the half-century mark 31 times in ODIs but had only reached three figures on five occasions. However, on a challenging pitch, she showed her class by overcoming mid-innings cramps and guiding her team out of trouble."I started off pretty well, and whenever you get two cover drives in the first over you always feel good," said the 27-year-old. "But whenever I thought of taking the game on, there was a wicket. Maybe that helped me stay at the crease."Asha, 33, also had a memorable outing. After playing a starring role in RCB's IPL triumph, she earned a maiden National team call ahead of the five-match T20I tour to Bangladesh in May. She played two matches there and the ODI debut has followed soon after."Back in 2017 or 2018, I remember looking at her in the Challengers, and thinking ‘Oh she can really turn the ball’,” said Mandhana about Asha. “Her last eight months have shown what hard work can do to a player.""The way she bowled [versus South Africa], turning the ball square, I am happy that she is in my team. Whenever I face her in the nets, it’s really hard to go over the top. I love (batting against) leg-spinners, but I can’t really do it against Asha. That shows her strength.”The victory was a resounding statement from the Indian women's team, who are preparing for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. Smriti Mandhana and Asha Sobhana's performances will give the team a much-needed boost of confidence as they aim to make a strong impact on the global stage.