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 divided a video on social media of her playing cricket, which brought her into the media spotlight.
He praised her bowling action and said she had “shades” of former India bowler Zaheer Khan – who was known for his accuracy, swing, clever variations with the ball and distinct bowling action.
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 is [Sachin Tendulkar] is,” says Sushila, explaining that her family does not have a television and 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 to take a picture with her.
Sushila tries to find the right words to describe this new reality. She simply smiles and poses for photos, still bewildered by her newfound fame.
But as soon as she puts on her school uniform and steps onto the court with a rubber ball in hand, the shy girl transforms into someone fearless, strong and focused.
“When 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 post,” she says.
At home, Sushil’s mother Shantibai is proud of what her daughter has achieved.
She says that although many were eager to meet her, not everyone supported her.
Several questioned the parents for letting their daughter 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 participating in sports or activities outside of traditional gender roles.
“I don’t tell them anything, nor do I listen to what they say,” says Shantibai.
“I will never stop her from playing cricket.”
Everyone at Sushila’s school plays cricket, thanks 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 in school – otherwise they’ll stay home.”
Mr. Meena says that initially he and other teachers would form teams and make students play with them. Soon everyone wanted to join.
Although he assumed 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 he had enough students, Mr. Meena opened a social media account to showcase their cricketing talent. People slowly began to respond to his videos – some even offering advice on form and techniques.
Sushila is not the first student of 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 capital, Jaipur.
But the school and the students here need more than social media attention.
Sushila’s village and her school are still in bad shape.
“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 get past the fifth grade, the cricket will stop. They won’t have a chance,” 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 officers to carry out a survey and see if any land can be given to the school for the expansion of the cricket ground.
But so far nothing has happened.
Meanwhile, Sushila’s home is flooded with gifts. There’s a bat everywhere, even though she’s a bowler.
Her teacher says no one has gotten her a real cricket ball yet. They are much harder than the rubber ball he currently practices with and are needed to play a higher level of the sport.
When asked what she will do with so many sticks, Sushila sheepishly says 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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