‘It Hit Me Everywhere’: Thailand’s Natthakan Chantham Reveals Painful Attempt At Surya’s Supla Shot

"It Hit Me Everywhere": Thailand's Natthakan Chantham on Attempting SKY's 'Supla Shot'

Thailand's batter Natthakan Chantham has opened up about her ambitious (and painful) attempt to replicate Suryaakumar Yadav's famous "Supla shot." In an interview with Olympics.com ahead of the Asian Games 2026, she laughed off the experience: "I have tried, but it hit me everywhere! I would love to play it, but first I have to stick to my strengths."

SKY: Her Biggest Inspiration

Suryakumar remains Chantham's favourite cricketer, whom she follows via YouTube highlights and Indian team socials. What draws her most is his freedom and confidence: "He just times the ball. He does not care about having good technique... He just times the ball well, and it becomes beautiful."

If she ever meets him, she's got a question ready—"I want a tip to play properly. What do you call that shot? Supla shot."

The Shubman Gill Factor

She also admires Shubman Gill, describing his strokeplay as "effortless." Rather than technique, she's curious about his mindset: "I want to know not about technique, but about how he plays, about the mind."

Coaching & Accidental Beginnings

Chantham credits Indian coach Harshal Pathak for turning her into a more aggressive batter. Her own start was by accident—aged 8, she joined cricket because the school's movie club was full. "I picked up cricket accidentally," she recalled.

Cricket's Struggle for Recognition in Thailand

Limited public awareness remains a challenge: "They say, 'Oh, is it hockey?' And I say, 'No, cricket—it's not hockey.'" But the Asian Games carries weight—"When I tell them SEA Games, Asian Games, they definitely know."

Going 100% in the Knockouts

With little room for error, Chantham insists Thailand can't hold back: "We have no next chance. We have to go 100 per cent and no excuses."

And for the next generation back home? Her message is simple—"You also can do it."

Source: IANS

Source: Cricketnmore