\"I have tried, but it hit me everywhere!\u201d Chantham said with a laugh in an interview with Olympics.com ahead of the Asian Games 2026. \u201cI would love to (play it), but first I have to stick to my strengths.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suryakumar remains Chantham\u2019s favourite cricketer, with the Thai batter following his exploits through YouTube highlights, Instagram and the Indian cricket team\u2019s social media channels. What appeals to her most is the freedom with which he bats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI could see his confidence and attitude to play,\u201d Chantham said. \u201cHe just times the ball. He does not care about having good technique, or (looking) beautiful. He just times the ball well, and it becomes beautiful like he is.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Should she ever meet the Indian star, Chantham already has a question prepared: \u201cI want a tip to play properly - what do you call that shot? Supla shot,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubman Gill is another Indian batter she admires, particularly for the ease of his strokeplay. \u201cEffortless,\u201d Chantham said when asked what she liked about Shubman Gill\u2019s batting. \u201cI love someone who plays effortless and times the ball well.\u201d Rather than discussing technique with Gill, she would prefer to understand his mindset: \u201cI might ask about his thinking when he plays, when he\u2019s batting,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to know not about technique, but about how he plays, about the mind.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s influence on Chantham has also extended to her own development. She credited Indian coach Harshal Pathak with helping her become a more aggressive batter. \u201cHe guided me a lot - how to build the game, how to play aggressive batting,\u201d Chantham said. \u201cHe impacted my batting a lot.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her cricket journey began almost by accident. At eight, Chantham wanted to join her school\u2019s movie club, but it was already full. \u201cI picked up cricket accidentally,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI wanted to pick the movie club, but the movie club was full and the cricket club was still empty.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From those unlikely beginnings, Chantham became part of Thailand\u2019s women\u2019s cricket journey. With few established players at home to look up to, the team drew inspiration from countries such as India, Australia and England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cricket\u2019s limited public recognition in Thailand remains evident in Chantham\u2019s everyday experiences. \u201cThey still have no idea about cricket,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen they ask me what sport I play and I say cricket, I have to say it slowly, properly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey say, \u2018Oh, is it hockey?\u2019 And I say, \u2018No, I said cricket, it\u2019s not hockey.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Asian Games provides a different kind of platform because of its popularity in Thailand. \u201cWhen I tell them SEA Games, Asian Games, they definitely know,\u201d she said. \u201cThey know that\u2019s quite big for you and quite popular in Thailand.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With little margin for error in a knockout competition, Chantham said Thailand cannot afford to hold anything back. \u201cWe have no excuse to say, \u2018We can go easy,\u2019 or \u2018Next opportunity, next chance.\u2019 We have no next chance,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have to go 100 per cent and no excuses.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Asian Games provides a different kind of platform because of its popularity in Thailand. \u201cWhen I tell them SEA Games, Asian Games, they definitely know,\u201d she said. \u201cThey know that\u2019s quite big for you and quite popular in Thailand.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe new generation have no idea about playing along with the big teams like India, Pakistan, Australia, England,\u201d she said. \u201cBut when we reach that, it means we message them, \u2018You also can do it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n