Asha Shobana, Sajana Sajeevan credit WPL for T20 World Cup selection

Women’s Premier League provided deserving talents an opportunity to flourish on the bigger stage. Among such talents, Asha Shobana and Sajana Sajeevan made all heads turn with their performances. After making it to the Indian Women’s team, the duo will feature in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 for India scheduled to comence on 3 October. This will mark the time two players from Kerala represent the national team at an ICC event. 

Prior to this, S Sreesanth played for India in World Cup 2011, and Sanju Samson was involved in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win. Both India men players hail from God’s Own Country and no other male cricketers have ever done so again. Speaking of Asha, the 33-year-old has played three T20Is and two ODIs for India and has claimed four wickets in each format.

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"The WPL experience would come in handy in a tournament as big as the World Cup. I bowled to most of the top batters in WPL and know where I should bowl to them. Variations are important for a leg-spinner, and I am working on some innovations. Hopefully, I will be able to bowl some of those in the World Cup and catch our rivals by surprise," said Asha as quoted by TOI.

I wouldn't have been here if it was not for the WPL: Sajana

On the other hand, Sajana dominated the headlines with her last ball six against Delhi Capitals to take Mumbai Indians home. Though the 29-year-old has not featured in ODIs, in nine T20Is, she has accrued 30 runs batting in four innings for the team. It is worth noting that, Asha and Sajana were engrossed in an arduous hustle for over a decade in the domestic circuit before forging their way into the national squad.

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"I wouldn't have been here if it was not for the WPL. Playing for India is a great responsibility, and I must admit I have felt pressure while batting in the middle. I am trying to get better at it and hope to capitalize on the opportunities I get," said Sajana.