Arjun Kapoor turns real-life hero for talented girl cricketer from Maharashtra, promises to sponsor equipment

Cricket is considered a religion in India which has millions of followers all across the country. Over the years, the nation has seen several players making the Indian tricolour fly high with their performances on the world stage and inspiring millions of youngsters to take up the sport.

Every morning in India several young kids walk out of their homes with the burden of their dreams on their shoulders materialising into a heavy kit bag filled with hope to represent the country one day. Having the same amount of fire in her belly to play for her country at the international level, 11-year-old Anisha Rout travels 80 km every day for eight hours of cricket training.

Anisha takes the arduous journey seven times a week with dreams of emulating her idol, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and representing her country at the international level.  In an admiring act of generosity, Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has come forward to give wings to Anisha's dreams by sponsoring the cost of her equipment till she turns 18.

Anisha’s dream is not only hers as her father Prabhat, who works as a supervisor, is giving his all to see his daughter don the India jersey in the future and make him proud. However, he requires some support to provide her with the best facilities and equipment so that she takes giant leaps towards her dream.

"As parents, we want the best for our child but training to become a world-class cricketer is expensive. Anisha wants to earn the India cap and bring glory to our country like Sachin Tendulkar,” Prabhat was quoted as saying by Outlook India.

This help from Arjun Kapoor is godsent: Prabhat, Anisha's father

Reacting to the help from Arjun Kapoor, he said that the help from the Bollywood actor is godsent and he can’t thank him enough for taking the load off her shoulders.

"As a father, I need to empower her so that she can try to do that and become an inspiration for others like her for generations to come. This help from Arjun Kapoor is godsent. It takes a lot of load off my shoulders and I can't thank him enough. It is important for Anisha to get the best equipment as a cricketer and now she will have everything till she turns 18!” he added.

Hailing from Panvel, Maharashtra, Anisha puts in strenuous efforts and trains for eight hours a day in pursuit of her dream. The 11-year-old got inspired after watching the biopic of former India captain MS Dhoni, titled ‘MS Dhoni: The Untold Story’. She played Under-15 Women's Cricket for Raigad District, Maharashtra at the age of 10. Anisha is currently playing for MIG Club Under-15 and has scored three half-centuries in her previous matches while opening the batting for her team.