Rising Star: How Sushila Meena’s Viral Fame in Cricket Shines a Light on Rural Challenges

Wed Apr 02 2025 05:27:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Rising Star: How Sushila Meena’s Viral Fame in Cricket Shines a Light on Rural Challenges

The journey of 10-year-old Sushila Meena, who became an online cricket sensation thanks to Sachin Tendulkar, sheds light on the socio-cultural hurdles faced by aspiring athletes in rural India.


Sushila Meena, a 10-year-old girl from Rajasthan, gained widespread recognition in the realm of cricket after former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised her bowling skills in a viral video. Despite her new-found fame, Sushila faces challenges related to gender roles and educational opportunities, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support young athletes in rural regions.


As a regular child from a rural region of Rajasthan, 10-year-old Sushila Meena's life underwent a dramatic transformation when cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared a video showcasing her exceptional bowling skills on social media. Many viewed the clip, with Tendulkar noting that her bowling style bore similarities to noted Indian bowler Zaheer Khan, known for his skillful technique.

The video garnered millions of views, thrusting Sushila into the limelight. Yet, intriguingly, the young girl remains unaware of who Tendulkar is since her family does not own a television, and they do not follow cricket. Despite this, she expresses gratitude for the recognition, and her new fame has made her the center of attention in her village, garnering admiration from politicians, social activists, and even family members.

Sushila's character transforms when she steps onto the cricket field with a rubber ball; her competitive spirit emerges, expressing only determination to excel in the game. Her friend Asha, acting as the opposing batter, acknowledges the challenges posed by Sushila's bowling technique, revealing its unpredictability.

While her mother, Shantibai, beams with pride at Sushila's achievements, she also faces criticism from some community members who question the family’s decision to allow her to pursue sports instead of adhering to traditional roles expected of girls. Unfazed by the detractors, Shantibai affirms her commitment to support Sushila's passion for cricket.

The school's cricket program, launched by teacher Ishwarlal Meena in 2017, provides an outlet for students, with Mr. Meena self-educating through online resources to coach students. His efforts have led to a growing interest in cricket among students. Sushila is not an isolated case; another student, Renuka Pargi, previously gained fame for her batting and has since applied to a cricket academy in Jaipur.

Despite the success stories, the infrastructure for cricket and education in Sushila's village remains inadequate. Local officials have acknowledged the need for improvements but have yet to implement any substantial changes. The school currently only offers education up to the fifth grade, raising concerns about the continual development of budding athletes like Sushila.

Even as Sushila receives gifts and acknowledgment, she still lacks essential equipment for serious cricket practice, reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding her future in the sport. The village is abuzz with curiosity about whether her viral fame will translate into lasting opportunities or fade as quickly as the fleeting gifts she receives.

In this narrative of unexpected stardom, Sushila's story illustrates the broader social context of sporting potential, urging reflection on the disparities that young athletes in rural India face amidst rising digital visibility.

MORE ON THEME

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:17:44 GMT

Afghan Students in Qatar Face Uncertain Future Amid U.S. Aid Cuts

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 04:17:44 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:41:19 GMT

British Boarding Schools Set Their Sights on Nigeria: A Shift in Education Dynamics

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 01:41:19 GMT
Sun, 23 Mar 2025 02:01:09 GMT

**MS Dhoni: Cricket Legend Shines Again in IPL 2025**

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 02:01:09 GMT
Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:33:15 GMT

Women's Empowerment in Rural India: The Challenge of "Boss Husbands"

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:33:15 GMT
Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:57:00 GMT

"A Twist of Fate: How a Ghanaian Education Changed My Life"

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:57:00 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:09:00 GMT

**China's AI Revolution: From Personal Robots to Educational Tools**

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 01:09:00 GMT
Sat, 08 Mar 2025 10:18:57 GMT

Afghan Women’s Studies in Peril: Imminent Deportation Awaits Scholarship Recipients in Oman

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 10:18:57 GMT
Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:21:09 GMT

Gazans Confront Harsh Realities in Post-War Jabalia

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:21:09 GMT
Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:43:17 GMT

Cook Islands' Deal with China Sparks Controversy and Concerns Among Allies

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:43:17 GMT
Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:52:57 GMT

India’s AI Ambitions: Navigating Challenges Against Global Competitors

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:52:57 GMT
Sun, 16 Feb 2025 02:04:23 GMT

"Temptation Island's Montoya Meltdown Sparks Global Viral Sensation"

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 02:04:23 GMT
Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:20:09 GMT

**NATO Schools Adjust to New Diversity Policies Ahead of Secretary's Wife's Visit**

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:20:09 GMT
Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:44:04 GMT

South Africa Remembers a Visionary: Pioneering Nuclear Scientist Senamile Masango Passes Away

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:44:04 GMT
Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:17:59 GMT

BBC Initiates Educational Program for War-Affected Children in Gaza and Sudan

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:17:59 GMT
Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:43:17 GMT

**BBC Launches Educational Programme for Children in Conflict Zones**

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:43:17 GMT
Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:30:07 GMT

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Education: A Generation at Risk

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:30:07 GMT
Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:26:23 GMT

## U.S. Aid Cuts Spark Crisis in Africa Amid Leadership Changes

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:26:23 GMT
Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:48:29 GMT

Viral Disinformation: Debunking Claims of Hollywood Stars Paid by USAID for Ukraine Visits

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:48:29 GMT
Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:12:10 GMT

Aga Khan, Philanthropist and Spiritual Leader, Passes Away at 88

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:12:10 GMT
Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:17:42 GMT

Understanding the Tragic Mass Shooting at Orebro School in Sweden

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:17:42 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.