Asha Sobhana Exclusive: Paper Ball to WPL Stardom, RCB, and Arsenal - The Journey of Kerala's Hope

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When the going gets tough, the tough gets going - this renowned phrase is often overused in the world of sports. But when it comes to Asha Sobhana, it is probably an understatement.

It was WPL 2024 which saw the emergence of Asha. At the age of 32, she announced herself with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru colours, and shocked the world. Since then, Asha has represented India and is continuously looking to reach new heights.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Asha Sobhana opens up about her inspiring journey, her transition from fast bowling to leg spin, her breakthrough in the Women's Premier League (WPL), and her love for Arsenal Football Club and more.

Asha, who hails from Kerala, has become a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers, especially young women, with her remarkable rise in the sport as a late bloomer.

The Beginning

Asha's journey began in Trivandrum, where she started playing cricket with paper balls wrapped in milk packets. Reflecting on her early days, she said, "Those were the golden days. We didn't know about professional cricket, but we played with passion. I remember collecting newspapers and rubber bands to make balls."

"It was a difficult start for me in the beginning when I started my cricket in my hometown, Trivandrum. Luckily, I had by the grace of God, I had people around me who supported me throughout my career and my life."

The Struggle

Despite financial constraints, Asha's parents supported her dreams and stayed beside her in every path. The player herself believes her struggle made her who she is today.

"Those humble moments are what made Asha Shobhana. I remember that I struggled for best pairs and for clothing, for bags, for shoes. I was so lucky that I had many people around me to help me out. If you take my seniors, my coach, Aaron Thomas, my mentor, late Shabina Jacob, and my seniors, everybody was there for me to help me out in different phase of my life," she says.

"My parents didn't have much to give in terms of cricket equipment, but they always supported me morally. Whatever they could do, they did."

From Fast Bowling to Leg Spin

Interestingly, Asha started her cricketing journey as a fast bowler. But during her early days, she changed her bowling abode and transitioned to a spinner.

"I used to bowl leg spin with paper balls in gully cricket, but I was scared the leather ball wouldn't spin the same way. So, I decided to bowl fast during my district trials. I thought I would rather run and bowl," she recalled.

However, fate had other plans. During a practice session, her coach, late Srikumar sir noticed her bowling leg spin and encouraged her to stick with it.

"I was relieved because I didn't have to run as much. Leg spin felt natural to me," she said with a laugh.

The RCB Breakthrough

Asha's career took a monumental turn when she was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural WPL season. Reminiscing that memory, Asha says the RCB deal is one of the greatest moments of her life.

"One of the greatest moments in my life was that I was picked by RCB in WPL. That is the reason I was recognized by many and got into the Indian side."

Her dream debut, where she took a five-wicket haul, remains one of the most iconic moments of the WPL. And Asha can't thank WPL enough for shaping the careers of many women cricketers.

"It has drastically changed the lives of domestic players like me, Sajana, Saima Thakur, and many others. It's a platform that has given us visibility and opportunities," she emphasizes.

Playing Alongside Legends

Asha has had the privilege of playing under two of India's biggest cricket stars- Smriti Mandhana at RCB and Harmanpreet Kaur in the Indian team. Mandhana was her captain at the RCB while Harmanpreet was the skipper during her India debut.

"Both are incredibly professional and supportive. Smriti is very kind, and I can talk to her about anything. Harmanpreet is a gem of a person and an amazing leader," she says.

A message for the Women's

With International Women's Day around the corner, Asha speaks about the broader challenges women face in society.

"It's heartbreaking to hear about the atrocities against women. I believe every woman should be strong, both mentally and physically. I think every woman should learn Martial Arts, its not just for fighting but for self-protection," she advises.

She also encourages young girls to take up sports and believes that can equip them to be stronger.

"Cricket is not just about playing; there are so many career opportunities post-retirement, like coaching, video analysis, and training. State associations, especially Kerala, have been very supportive in providing world-class facilities," she continues.

The Arsenal Connection: A Die-Hard Fan

Asha's love for Arsenal Football Club is well-known among her fans. Her iconic celebration, inspired by Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, has become a talking point. But Asha actually became an Arsenal supporter after Lukas Podolski joined the club.

"I've been an Arsenal fan since 2013-14. I love the passion they show on the field. And I started watching Arsenal more after Lukas Podolski. But before that, I used to like Thierry Henry so much. He is an amazing footballer. Whenever I see those classic matches of Arsenal, he was a different kind of player."

Her WPL debut was also marked with a fantastic celebration, which emulates Arsenal player Leandro Trossard.

"Yeah, it's from Trossard's inspiration. Yeah, he's a great footballer. I mean, he comes in the last moment and he scores the crucial goals."

The Inspirations

Although various sportspersons have inspired her journey, Asha speaks about Sachin Tendulkar's imprint with a glow in her face.

"We used to make coconut wood bats and would just write MRF on the bat, or sketch[the logo]. That's how much I admired Sachin Tendulkar sir. He has been my greatest inspiration. Apart from that, Cristiano Ronaldo has been my role model throughout my life for his dedication, work ethic and how he emerged."

Apart from that, the late NBA star Kobe Bryant has made a huge mark in her life. In cricket, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Stuart McGill have all been inspirations in her journey.

Asha's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From playing with paper balls to representing India, she has overcome numerous challenges to achieve her dreams. And she only wishes the next generation to keep their fighting spirit and emerge from adversities.

"Those humble beginnings made me stronger. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles," she concludes, with the Hope that transcends emphatically in her journey.