SRINAGAR: A third-standard student from Sopore has become an unlikely hero after her batting skills impressed none other than Sachin Tendulkar.
Nine-year-old Hurmat Irshad Bhat’s video of playing shots with perfect technique become viral on social media.
A student of Prime Public School, Zaingeer, she has been passionate about cricket. Coming from a middle-class family, the girl used to see boys playing in the ground which motivated her to try her hands on the game. A leftie, she plays shots with perfection.
The 26 second video was uploaded on X by Kupwara Times which became viral overnight. The video on its official page has notched 441.5K views so far. The video has been shared and posted on multiple pages across social media platforms.
Impressed by her batting skills, Sachin was quick to respond to the video on X. “Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face,” Sachin wrote.
Hurmat said she wants to play for Team India and make Kashmir and the country proud. “I am passionate about cricket. I want to play professional cricket. I want to play for Team India and make my Kashmir and country proud,” she said.
Phones have not stopped ringing at Hurmat’s home since the video became viral. “We have been receiving congratulatory messages not from Kashmir but from different parts of the country,” said a family member of Hurmat.
Earlier in 2018, a seven-year-old Kashmiri boy’s spin bowling had caught many eyes. Journalist Mufti Islah had tweeted the video and tagged Warne. “Easily ball of the century. A googly that turns a meter and a half. @ShaneWarne take a look. You have some competition,” Islah had said.
A few months later in December 2018, legend responded with a thumbs-up. “This is outstanding! Well bowled young man,” he tweeted.
Later Warne discussed the boy’s bowling on Fox TV. “Thanks for this. Will share this with the young kid in Kashmir. He will be over the moon,” Islah had written.