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.