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 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, bringing her into the media spotlight.

He praised her bowling action and said it had "shades of" former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan - who was known for his accuracy, swing, clever variations with the ball and a distinct bowling action.

The video was an instant hit and while it has been viewed by millions and shared by tens of thousands of people, there's an ironic twist - the girl does not recognise the cricket icon who made her famous.

"I don't know who he [Sachin Tendulkar] is," Sushila says, explaining that her family doesn't own a television and she has never watched cricket.

However, she is grateful to him.

Sushila, who is from a poor tribal family, is now being recognised 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 simply smiles and poses for photographs, still baffled by her newfound fame.

But as soon as she dons her school uniform and steps onto the field with a rubber ball in hand, the shy girl transforms into someone 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 on the other side with a bat in her hand, describes Sushila's bowling as "difficult".

"Her ball turns unexpectedly and then suddenly hits the wicket," 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.

A few have questioned the parents for allowing their daughter to play cricket instead of doing household chores.

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

"I don't say anything to them, nor do I listen to what they are saying," Shantibai says.

"I will never stop her from playing cricket."

Everyone in Sushila's school plays cricket and the credit for it goes to their teacher, Ishwarlal Meena.

"I started encouraging students to play cricket when I joined in 2017," he says. "A fun activity is needed to keep them engaged at school - otherwise, they will stay at home."

Mr Meena says that initially, he and other teachers would form teams and make the students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join in.

Even though 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 the students.

Once he had enough students, Mr Meena created a social media account to showcase their cricketing talent. Slowly people started reacting to his videos - some even gave tips 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 at a private cricket academy - which also pays all her expenses - in Rajasthan state's capital, Jaipur.

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

Sushila's village and her school remain in poor condition.

"People come, they make big promises, but nothing changes," Mr Meena says.

He adds that the school offers education only until primary level.

"Once they cross grade five, the cricket will stop. They will have no opportunities," he points out.

Local government officials say they will see what can be done to provide better facilities to the village and its students. The forest department has sent some officials to do a survey and check if some land can be given to the school to extend its cricket field.

But nothing has happened until now.

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

Her teacher says no one has got her a proper cricket ball yet. They are much harder than the rubber ball she currently practises with and are needed to play higher levels of the sport.

When asked what she will do with so many bats, Sushila says shyly 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 - a lot of attention and excitement, but ultimately making no real difference to her life.

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