How Sachin Tendulkar made this Indian girl an online cricket star

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

But everything changed when legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared a video on social media of her playing cricket that put her in the media spotlight.

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

The video became an instant hit and despite being watched 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,” Sushila says, explaining that her family doesn't have a TV and she has never watched cricket.

However, she is grateful to him.

Sushila, who is from 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 a picture with her.

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

But once she puts on her school uniform and steps onto the court with a rubber ball in hand, the shy girl becomes fearless, strong and focused.

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

Her classmate Asha, who is often at the other end with bat in hand, describes Sushila's bowling as “difficult”.

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

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

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

Several questioned the parents for allowing their daughter to play cricket instead of doing housework.

Such views 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 neither tell them anything nor listen to what they say,” says Shantibai.

“I will 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. “You need a fun activity to keep them engaged at school – otherwise they'll stay home.”

Mr. Meena says that initially he and other teachers formed teams and had students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join.

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

After collecting enough students, Mr. Meena created a social media account to showcase their cricketing talent. Slowly, people began to respond to his videos – some even offered advice on form and techniques.

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

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

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

Sushila's village and her school remain in disrepair.

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

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

“Once they pass fifth grade, the cricket will stop. They won't have options,” 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 officials to do a survey and see if land can be given to the school to expand its cricket ground.

But so far nothing has happened.

Meanwhile, Sushila's home is overwhelmed with gifts. There are bats everywhere even though she is bowling.

Her teacher says that no one has bought her a proper cricket ball yet. They are much harder than the rubber ball she currently trains with and are necessary for playing at higher levels of the sport.

When asked what she will do with so many bats, Sushila sheepishly replies that she will “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 nothing to change her life.

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