Cricket has the unique power to connect people across nations, and few exemplify this better than Subha Venkataraman. Born in Chennai, India, and now a formidable player for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national women’s cricket team, Subha’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and sheer passion for the game. Her story shines as a beacon of inspiration for women cricketers and fans worldwide, proving that with grit and determination, boundaries are only physical and not aspirational.
Early Life and the Spark for Cricket
Subha Venkataraman’s love for cricket began early on. Born on March 8, 1980, in Chennai, she grew up playing street cricket with her twin brother, Sundar. Watching the 1992 Cricket World Cup, especially the thrilling matches between India and Pakistan, kindled her love for the sport and inspired her to take cricket seriously. From that point, Subha knew she wanted to make her mark in cricket, a dream that she pursued with fierce dedication.
While honing her cricket skills, Subha Venkataraman balanced her education with equal importance, eventually earning a B.Sc in Computer Science. This dual commitment to academics and athletics speaks volumes about her discipline and ambition—qualities that would later define her career.
Rise Through the Ranks in Indian Cricket
Subha Venkataraman’s journey in organized cricket began when she was selected for the Madras Under-19 team. Her hard work and talent soon earned her a spot in the Tamil Nadu senior team when she was just 19. One of her early defining moments came in 1999 when she took two consecutive wickets in an All-India Senior Inter-State South Zone match, narrowly missing a hat-trick. This breakthrough highlighted her potential as a bowler and set the stage for her future achievements in cricket.
Throughout her early years in cricket, Subha Venkataraman idolized legendary cricketers like Jonty Rhodes and Sachin Tendulkar. Their dedication to the game and unmatched skills in fielding and batting, respectively, fueled her ambition. She credits her father, who was also a sportsperson, as a significant source of inspiration and her twin brother as her best critic, pushing her to always improve.
Balancing Duty and Passion: Joining the Police Force
In 2004, Subha’s career took a new turn when she was appointed as a Sub-Inspector by the Tamil Nadu Service Board. This role could have pulled her away from cricket, but fortunately, her seniors supported her passion and encouraged her to continue playing. She balanced her responsibilities as a police officer while still representing Tamil Nadu until 2009, when she married and moved to Dubai.
For the next four years, Subha Venkataraman’s relationship with cricket was limited to watching games on TV. Though she was far from the field, her love for the game remained strong, and a part of her yearned to play again. Little did she know that her passion for cricket would lead her back to the sport.
The Turning Point: A New Beginning in UAE Cricket
In 2013, Subha Venkataraman made a bold decision—she reached out to Mazhar Kanwar, hoping for a chance to play cricket again, this time for the UAE. To her delight, Kanwar agreed, and this marked the beginning of her second innings. Under the mentorship of the UAE team’s national coach, she underwent rigorous training to strengthen her fitness, both physically and mentally. Her experience became a valuable asset to the UAE women’s cricket team, especially for younger players, who benefitted immensely from her guidance.
Since Subha Venkataraman joined, the UAE women’s cricket team achieved significant milestones. They won the Gulf Cup in 2014 and 2015, and were runners-up in 2017. They also made history by hosting and playing in the Indoor World Cup, competing against elite teams like Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. Through her dedication and leadership, Subha has played an essential role in putting UAE women’s cricket on the global map.
Thoughts on Mithali Raj and Women’s Cricket
Subha Venkataraman fondly recalls playing against Mithali Raj, India’s renowned captain, in an Under-19 Inter-State South Zone tournament in 1999. She remembers Mithali as a natural-born leader with an impressive maturity level at a young age. Subha’s admiration for Mithali, whom she describes as the “Sachin Tendulkar of women’s cricket,” reveals her deep respect for fellow women cricketers and her unwavering passion for the game.
Subha Venkataraman is also proud to see the progress of women’s cricket since her early days. She noted that 18 years ago, women’s cricket wasn’t widely recognized, but today, organizations like FemaleCricket.com have provided support and visibility, motivating women cricketers to strive for excellence.
Facing Challenges and Defying Age
At 43, Subha is proof that age is no barrier when one is physically fit and mentally resilient. Competing with younger players keeps her motivated and sharp. She believes that personal growth and development are as important as individual accomplishments, a philosophy that resonates with her team’s motto: “One team, one dream.”
Subha has several success mantras that guide her journey. Among them are:
- Self-Competition: Instead of constantly competing with opponents, she focuses on competing with herself, pushing to perform better than her last performance.
- Consistency and Responsibility: Subha believes that meeting and exceeding expectations is part of her responsibility toward her team and fans.
- Unity and Encouragement: She highlights the strength of the UAE team as a supportive, unified group that values both individual contributions and collective success.
- Physical and Mental Discipline: To maintain peak performance, she prioritizes fitness, especially during the off-seasons, and emphasizes the importance of mental toughness.
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