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 he became legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar subscriber A video of her playing cricket was posted on social media, bringing her into the media spotlight.

He praised her bowling and said she had “shades” of former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan – who was known for his accuracy, swing, intelligent variety with the ball and distinctive bowling action.

The video was an instant hit, and while it was watched by millions and shared by tens of thousands of people, there was an ironic twist: the girl didn't recognize the cricket icon that made her famous.

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

However, she is grateful to him.

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

Sushila struggles to find the right words to describe this new reality. She simply smiles and takes pictures, still baffled by her newfound fame.

But as soon as she puts on her school uniform and steps onto the field with a rubber ball in her hand, the shy girl turns into a brave, strong and focused person.

“Once I had the ball in my hand, all I could think about was getting the shot out,” she says.

Her colleague Asha, who is often on the other side with a bat in hand, describes Sushila's bowling as “tough”.

“Her ball turns unexpectedly and then suddenly hits the wicket,” she says.

At home, Shantibai, Sushila's mother, is proud of what her daughter has achieved.

She says that while many are eager to meet her, not everyone has been supportive.

Some questioned that the parents allowed their daughter to play cricket instead of doing household chores.

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

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

“I would never stop her from playing cricket.”

Everyone in 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. “There needs to be a fun activity to keep them engaged in school – otherwise they will stay home.”

Mr. Mina says that in the beginning, he and other teachers would form teams and have the students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join.

Although he took on the role of coach, Mr. Meena did not receive any formal training in cricket. He watches YouTube videos to learn and teach new techniques to students.

Once he had enough students, Mr. Meena created a social media account to showcase their cricketing talents. People slowly started interacting with his videos, and some even offered tips on form and techniques.

Sushila is not the first student from the school to become internet famous.

Last year, another student, Renuka Bargi, went viral for her batting skills. She is currently enrolled in a private cricket academy – which also pays all her expenses – in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

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

Sushila village and its school are still in poor condition.

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

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

“Once they pass fifth grade, cricket will stop. They will not have any opportunities,” he points out.

Local government officials say they will see what can be done to provide better facilities for the village and its students. The forest department sent some officials to conduct a survey and check if some land could be given to the school to expand its cricket ground.

But nothing has happened yet.

Meanwhile, Sushila's house is filled with gifts. There are bats everywhere, even though she is a bowler.

Her teacher says no one has gotten her a proper cricket ball yet. It is much harder than the rubber ball you currently train with and is essential for playing higher levels of the sport.

When asked what she would do with so many bats, Sushila sheepishly said she would “try to use them.”

Meanwhile, the big question in the village is whether Sushila's viral fame will end up like the gifts she receives – lots of attention and excitement, but ultimately making no real difference in her life.

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