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, far from society, in a small village in northern India in Rajasthan.

But everything changed when the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar he shared a video on social media of him playing cricket, which made him appear on television.

He praised his bowling style and said it had “shades” of former Indian batsman Zaheer Khan – known for his accuracy, swing, variety with the ball and his unique bowling style.

The video was an instant hit and while it was viewed by millions and shared by thousands of people, there is a surprising twist – the girl does not recognize the cricket picture that made her famous.

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

However, he appreciates her.

Sushila, who comes from a poor family, is now known and admired by everyone she meets. From politicians to social activists and even distant relatives, everyone now wants a picture with him.

Sushila struggles to find the right words to describe this new reality. He just smiles and takes pictures, still surprised by his newfound fame.

But as soon as she puts on her school uniform and steps onto the field with a soccer ball in hand, the shy girl transforms into a fearless, strong and thoughtful person.

“When the ball is in my hands, all I can think about is kicking it,” he says.

Her classmate Asha, who usually sits on the other side with a bat in her hand, describes Sushila’s bowling as “difficult”.

“His ball turns unexpectedly and then suddenly hits the ribs,” he says.

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

He said that although many people are eager to meet him, not all of them helped him.

Some have questioned the parents for letting their daughter play cricket instead of doing housework.

Such attitudes are common in rural India, where girls are often expected to stay at home and are prohibited from playing sports or engaging in gender-neutral activities.

“I don’t say anything to them, nor do I listen to what they say,” says Shantibai.

“I will not stop him 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. “Fun is needed to keep them engaged in school – otherwise, they’ll stay at home.”

Mr. Meena says that in the beginning, he and other teachers formed teams and made the students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join them.

Although he took the role of their coach, Mr Meena has no formal cricket training. They watch YouTube videos to learn and teach new techniques to students.

After having enough students, Mr. Meena created a social media account to showcase his cricket skills. Slowly people began to react to his videos – some even gave advice on the format and method.

Sushila is not the first student in the school to become an internet addict.

Last year, another student, Renuka Pargi, was recognized for her batting skills. He is currently enrolled in a private cricket coaching school – which also pays for his expenses – in the state capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

But schools and students today need more than just social media.

Sushila’s village and her school are not well.

“People come, they promise big things, but nothing changes,” says Meena.

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

“Once they cross grade 5, cricket stops, they will not have a chance,” he said.

Government officials said they will see what they can do to make the village and its students more accessible. The forest department has sent some officials to conduct a survey and see if some land can be allotted to the school to expand the cricket ground.

But nothing has happened so far.

Meanwhile, Sushila’s house is full of gifts. There are bats everywhere, even if it’s a football player.

His coach says no one has given him the right ball. It’s much harder than the rubber ball they play with and they need it to play at a high level.

When asked what she will do with more bats, Sushila sheepishly says that she will “try to use them”.

Meanwhile, the big question in the village is whether Sushila’s viral fame will be like the gifts she receives – attention and happiness, but not making a real difference in her life.

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