How Sachin Tendulkar Made This Indian Girl An Internet Cricket Star

Until a few days ago, 10-year-old Sushila Meena was living an ordinary life, far from the public eye, in a small village in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.

But everything changed when legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar general a social media video of her playing cricket brought her into the media spotlight.

He praised her bowling and said it had “shades” of former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan, who was known for his accuracy, swing, clever variations with the ball and crisp bowling.

The video became an instant hit and although it has been viewed by millions and shared by tens of thousands of people, there is an ironic twist – the girl does not recognize the cricket icon who made her famous.

“I don’t know who he (Sachin Tendulkar) is,” says Sushila, explaining that her family doesn’t have a TV and has never watched cricket.

However, she is grateful to him.

Coming from a poor tribal family, Sushila is now recognized and appreciated by everyone she meets. From politicians to social activists and even distant relatives, everyone now wants to take a picture with her.

Sushila tries to find the right words to describe this new reality. She just smiles and poses for pictures, still embarrassed by her newfound fame.

But as soon as she puts on her school uniform and steps out onto the field with a rubber ball in her hands, the shy girl transforms into fearless, strong and purposeful.

“Once the ball is in my hand, all I can think about is hitting the batter,” she says.

Her classmate Asha, who is often on the other end with bat in hand, describes Sushila’s bowling as “tough”.

“Her ball takes an unexpected turn and then suddenly hits the wicket,” she says.

At home, Sushila’s mother Shantibai is proud of her daughter’s achievements.

She says that although many people want to meet her, not everyone supports her.

Some questioned the parents for letting their daughter play cricket instead of doing household chores.

Such attitudes are common in parts of rural India, where girls are often expected to stay at home and are discouraged from participating in sports or activities outside of traditional gender roles.

“I don’t tell them anything and I don’t listen to what they say,” says Shantibai.

“I will never stop her from playing cricket.”

Everyone at Sushila’s school plays cricket and the credit goes to their teacher Ishwarlal Meena.

“I started encouraging students to play cricket when I joined in 2017,” he says. “You need a fun activity to get them interested in school or they’ll stay home.”

Mr. Mina says that at first he and other teachers formed teams and made students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join.

Although he has taken on the role of their coach, Mr Mina has no formal cricket training. He watches YouTube videos to learn and teach students new techniques.

When he had enough students, Mr. Meena created a social media account to showcase their cricketing talent. Slowly, people began to respond to his videos – some even offering advice on form and technique.

Sushila is not the first student of the school to become an Internet sensation.

Last year, another student, Renuka Pargi, became popular for her batting skills. She currently studies at a private cricket academy – which also pays for all her expenses – in Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur.

But the school and students need more than just social media attention.

The village of Sushila and its school remain in poor condition.

“People come, make big promises, but nothing changes,” Mina says.

He adds that the school offers education only up to primary level.

“Once they cross fifth grade, cricket will stop. They won’t have any opportunities,” he points out.

Local government officials say they will see what can be done to provide better conditions for the village and its students. The forest department has sent some officials to conduct a survey and see if the land can be given to the school for expansion of the cricket field.

But so far nothing has happened.

Meanwhile, Sushila’s house is flooded with gifts. Bats everywhere, even though she is a bowler.

Her teacher says no one has given her a proper cricket ball yet. They are much harder than the rubber ball she currently trains with and are essential for higher level sports.

When asked what she will do with so many bats, Sushila shyly replies that she will “try to use them.”

Meanwhile, the big question in the village is whether Sushila’s viral fame will wear off like the gifts she’s been receiving – lots of attention and excitement, but ultimately nothing to change her life.

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