India and Sri Lanka are currently locking horns with each other for the 2nd ODI of the three-match ODI series in which the visitors are leading by 1-0. But the Indian cricketers have built up a special rapport with Sri Lankan fans over the years.
In a heart-warming gesture, the stand-in Indian skipper Rohit Sharma funded a Sri Lankan fan to return to his hometown to be with his sick father in Colombo.
Three Lankan fans Gayan Senanayake, Pubudu and Mohamed Nilam are have been supporting the Islanders throughout their tour. However, Nilam’s father was diagnosed with the throat cancer during the third and final Test in Delhi, but Nilam had booked a return ticket of December 26 after the conclusion of the tour and unfortunately didn’t have the luxury to return on the same ticket.
The die-hard Indian fan Sudhir Gautam informed Rohit about the health of Nilam’s father after which the captain arranged a return air ticket for Nilam on December 5 so that he could be with his father soon in his difficult times.
As per the reports of Mid-day, Nilam said, “Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the [R20,000 approx] ticket. My father is much better now. The surgery went well. I was disturbed when I heard about my father’s health, but Rohit has a big heart and he immediately arranged for my return ticket. He is a gem of a person. He even asked me whether I need any financial help for the surgery, but I refused to take any money. I am grateful that he arranged for my ticket.”
While the regular Indian captain Virat Kohli was in Italy for his wedding, he was also concerned about the health of Nilam’s father. Talking about the same, Nilam said, “When Virat bhai came to know about my father’s health, he too messaged me and asked if I needed any help. I congratulated Viratbhai on his wedding. I feel blessed and lucky to get so much love from Indian cricketers. They have always been very helpful in arranging match tickets whenever we come to watch them.”
The connection with the fans of these top Indian players is really heartwarming and one would hope that the same continues in the years to come.
