Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh identifies Rishika, a 4-year-old cricket prodigy from Kolkata, whose exceptional skill with the bat gained widespread attention on social media.
Yuvraj Singh, a former Indian cricketer, recently identified a young cricket prodigy named Rishika from Kolkata. Rishika gained widespread attention on social media due to her impressive batting skills. Moved by her talent, Yuvraj Singh has decided to sponsor her education and cricket training at the Merlin Rise Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence in Kolkata.
Rishika, from the Newtown area of Kolkata, became an internet sensation after a video of her playing cricket with her father went viral. Her batting technique, likened to that of professional players, captured the admiration of cricket fans worldwide. Recognizing her innate talent, Yuvraj Singh, known for nurturing young talent through his Centers of Excellence in collaboration with Merlin Group, extended a scholarship offer to Rishika. The announcement was made during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States, where Yuvraj Singh serves as the official brand ambassador.
Yuvraj Singh was impressed by Rishika’s cricketing abilities and decided to gift her a signed cricket bat as a token of appreciation. Rishika Sarkar comes from a humble background, residing with her family in the outskirts of New Town for the past three and a half years. Despite facing financial challenges, Rishika’s unwavering passion for cricket has driven her to practice relentlessly for more than six hours daily. Her father, Rajeev Sarkar, has been her dedicated coach, teaching her various cricketing techniques such as square drives and cover drives.
Rishika will receive coaching three days a week at the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence (YSCE), where she will be closely supervised by trainers. Additionally, Merlin Rise and Club Pavilion, The Sports Club at Merlin Rise, will provide nutritious meals tailored to Rishika’s dietary requirements. YSCE will regularly assess her progress and offer opportunities for her to participate in upcoming matches. Moreover, Merlin Group will assist in identifying a nearby school and cover all expenses for Rishika’s education.