Anshul Verma
Sushila Meena went viral for her fast bowling action
Until a few days ago, 10-year-old Sushila Meena was leading an ordinary life, far from the public eye, in a small village in the state of Rajasthan, in northern India.
But everything changed when legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared a video on social media of her playing cricket, thereby putting her in the media spotlight.
He praised his bowling action and said it had “shades of” former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan – who was known for his accuracy, swing, intelligent variations with the ball and action distinct bowling.
The video was an instant hit and although it has been viewed by millions and shared by tens of thousands, there is an irony: the young girl does not recognize the cricket icon who made it famous.
“I don’t know who he (Sachin Tendulkar) is,” says Sushila, explaining that her family does not have a television and she has never watched cricket.
However, she is grateful to him.
Sushila, from a poor tribal family, is now recognized and appreciated by everyone she meets. From politicians to social activists to distant relatives, everyone now wants a photo with her.
Sushila struggles to find the right words to describe this new reality. She simply smiles and poses for photos, still baffled by her newfound fame.
Getty Images
Tendulkar (left) said Sushila’s bowling action had “shades of” that of his former teammate Zaheer Khan.
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 transforms into someone fearless, strong and focused.
“Once I have the ball in my hands, all I can think about is getting the batter out,” she says.
Classmate Asha, who is often on the other side with a bat in hand, describes Sushila’s bowling as “difficult”.
“His ball spins unexpectedly and then suddenly hits the wicket,” she says.
At home, Shantibai, Sushila’s mother, is proud of what her daughter has accomplished.
She says although many are eager to meet her, not everyone has been supportive.
A few questioned the parents for allowing their daughter to play cricket instead of doing household chores.
Such views are common in some rural parts of India, where girls are often expected to stay at home and discouraged from participating in sports or activities outside traditional gender roles.
“I don’t tell them anything and I don’t listen to what they say,” Shantibai says.
“I will never stop him 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 them in 2017,” he says. “A fun activity is needed to keep them engaged in school, otherwise they will stay home.”
Mr. Meena says that initially, he and other teachers would form teams and have students play games with them. Very quickly, everyone wanted to participate.
Although he has taken on the role of coach, Mr. Meena has no formal cricket training. 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 skills. Little by little, people began to respond to his videos – some even giving advice on form and techniques.
Anshul Verma
Sushila’s mother Shantibai says she will never stop her daughter from playing cricket
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 covers all her expenses – in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan.
But the school and students here need more than just attention from social media.
The village of Sushila and its 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 up to primary level.
“Once they cross the 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 officials to make a survey and check whether land could be given to the school to expand its cricket ground.
But nothing has happened so far.
Anshul Verma
Sushila’s teacher Mr. Meena says cricket is a way to keep his students interested in school.
Meanwhile, Sushila’s house is flooded with gifts. There are bats everywhere, even though she is bowling.
His teacher says no one has given him a real cricket ball yet. They are much harder than the rubber ball she currently trains with and are necessary to play the sport at higher levels.
When asked what she will do with so many bats, Sushila shyly responds 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 enthusiasm, but ultimately making no real difference in her life.
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
