Who is Natthakan Chantham? Thailand Batter's Quest to Master the 'Supla Shot'

Natthakan Chantham, a batter for the Thailand women's cricket team, has recently trended in India due to her public admiration for Indian T20 stars and her ambitious attempt to incorporate their innovative styles into her own game. Ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, Chantham has highlighted the significant influence that Indian cricket—both in terms of players and coaching—has had on her development.

The Quest for the 'Supla Shot'

Chantham has identified Suryakumar Yadav as her favorite cricketer, praising his confidence and timing over traditional technical beauty. Specifically, she has been working to integrate Yadav's signature 'Supla shot'—a hybrid between a flick and a short-arm pull that utilizes the speed of the delivery—into her T20 repertoire [1].

However, mastering the shot has proven difficult. In an interview with Olympics.com, Chantham admitted that her initial attempts were unsuccessful, stating, "I have tried, but it hit me everywhere!" While she remains inspired by Yadav's approach, she noted that she must first stick to her existing strengths before fully integrating the complex stroke [1].

Admiration for Shubman Gill and Indian Coaching

Beyond Suryakumar Yadav, Chantham expressed deep respect for India's Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill. She described Gill's batting style as "effortless" and revealed that if given the chance to meet him, she would be more interested in his mental approach than his technical skills, specifically wanting to know about his "mindset and thought process while batting" [1].

This affinity for Indian cricket is not just about fandom; it is rooted in professional guidance. Chantham credited Indian coach Harshal Pathak for significantly shaping her game. Pathak has helped her transition toward a more aggressive batting style and improved her understanding of how to construct an innings [1].

Looking Toward the 2026 Asian Games

For Chantham, the 2026 Asian Games represent a critical milestone. Because the Asian Games are widely recognized in Thailand—unlike cricket itself, which remains relatively unfamiliar to the general public—she views the tournament as a platform to inspire the next generation of Thai cricketers. She believes competing against top-tier teams like India, Pakistan, Australia, and England sends a powerful message to young Thai athletes that they "also can do it" [1].