Most cricketers dream of hitting sixes. But for Natthakan Chantham, a rising star from Thailand, the dream comes with a price: bruises, blood, and relentless repetition. The 24-year-old batter has taken on a mission that seems almost impossible—mastering Suryakumar Yadav’s gravity-defying, back-handed ‘Supla shot’—and she’s doing it the hard way, one painful hit at a time [[1]].
Table of Contents
- The ‘Supla Shot’: A Cricketing Phenomenon
- Natthakan Chantham’s Relentless Pursuit
- Why the ‘Supla Shot’ Matters for Women’s Cricket
- Preparing for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026
- The Bigger Picture: Inspiring a Generation
The ‘Supla Shot’: A Cricketing Phenomenon
Coined by fans and commentators alike, the ‘Supla shot’ is more than just a stroke; it’s a statement of audacity. Popularized by India’s Suryakumar Yadav, it involves a player, often off-balance, using a back-handed, scooping motion to guide the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head for a boundary. It requires insane hand-eye coordination, impeccable timing, and a complete disregard for conventional batting orthodoxy [[2]].
What makes it so difficult—and dangerous—is that the batter is often turning their back to the bowler, relying purely on instinct. One mistimed attempt can lead to a painful blow to the body or helmet. Yet, its effectiveness in the modern T20 game is undeniable, making it a coveted weapon in any elite batter’s arsenal.
Natthakan Chantham’s Relentless Pursuit
For Natthakan, the ‘Supla shot’ isn’t just a trick; it’s a symbol of fearless, innovative cricket. In an exclusive interview, she revealed that her practice sessions are filled with trial, error, and physical toll. “I’ve been hit many times,” she admitted. “My arms are bruised, and sometimes I bleed. But I keep trying because I want to get it right” [[1]].
Her dedication is extraordinary. She spends hours in the nets, having bowlers deliver specific lengths to replicate match situations. She studies slow-motion videos of Suryakumar Yadav, analyzing his wrist position, footwork, and follow-through. This isn’t casual fandom; it’s a deep, technical study driven by a desire to elevate her own game to world-class standards.
Why the ‘Supla Shot’ Matters for Women’s Cricket
Natthakan’s quest is significant beyond her personal ambition. Her attempt to master such a high-risk, high-reward shot sends a powerful message to the global women’s game. It challenges the outdated notion that women’s cricket should be a more conservative, less aggressive version of the men’s game.
By embracing innovative strokes like the ‘Supla shot,’ players like Natthakan are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, showcasing that skill, creativity, and bravery are universal qualities in cricket, regardless of gender. Her journey is a testament to the fact that the future of women’s cricket is not just about participation, but about pioneering new styles of play.
Preparing for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026
All this intense preparation has a clear target: the upcoming ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 in Bangkok [[1]]. As the host nation, Thailand will be under the spotlight, and Natthakan sees this tournament as her platform to debut her perfected ‘Supla shot’ on a major stage.
The Rising Stars format is designed to showcase the next generation of talent from across Asia. For Natthakan, it’s the perfect opportunity to not only compete against the best young players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh but also to demonstrate that Thai cricket is capable of producing world-class innovators. A successful execution of the shot in a high-pressure match could become a viral moment, putting Thai women’s cricket firmly on the map.
The Bigger Picture: Inspiring a Generation
Natthakan Chantham’s story transcends sport. She is a role model for countless young girls in Thailand and across Southeast Asia who dare to dream big in a sport that is still finding its footing in the region. Her willingness to endure pain for perfection embodies the spirit of true athletic dedication.
Her idol, Suryakumar Yadav, may have invented the shot, but Natthakan is giving it a new legacy—one of resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. In a world where cricket is becoming increasingly global, her journey is a reminder that inspiration knows no borders, and greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Conclusion
Natthakan Chantham’s bloody knuckles and bruised forearms are the hidden cost of innovation. Her quest to master the ‘Supla shot’ is not just about adding a new stroke to her repertoire; it’s about redefining what’s possible for herself, her team, and her nation. As she prepares for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, the cricketing world should take notice. This isn’t just a story about a shot; it’s a story about the heart of a champion.
Sources
- Times of India: Hit, treat, repeat: Natthakan Chantham bleeds to perfect idol Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘Supla’ shot [[1]]
- ICC Women’s Cricket: ICC Official Women’s Cricket Development Page [[2]]
- Asian Cricket Council: ACC Official Website – Upcoming Tournaments
- [INTERNAL_LINK:thailand-womens-cricket-team] The Rise of Thailand’s Women’s Cricket Team
- [INTERNAL_LINK:suryakumar-yadav-best-shots] The Evolution of Suryakumar Yadav’s Batting Genius