Team India’s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma helped a travelling Sri Lankan fan return home early to attend his ailing father. Later, Virat Kohli, who tied the knot with Anushka Sharma in Italy, texted the fan to see if everything was ‘Ok’.
The Indian and Sri Lankan players met each other on the field 15 times so far this year including the second ODI in Mohali. While the majority of team India fans have been irked by the lack of challenge for the Men in Blue, Sri Lankan fans have found refuge with the Indian cricket team.
According to a report in the mid-day, three Sri Lankan fans namely Gayan Senananyaka, Pubudu and Mohamed Nilam, have been travelling with the Sri Lankan team throughout the Indian tour.
Nilam’s father, however, was diagnosed with throat cancer, during the third and final Test in New Delhi. His father needed immediate surgery, but his return ticket was scheduled from Mumbai on December 26 after the final T20 International. In stepped Rohit Sharma, so that Nilam could be with his father during his surgery.
Team India’s superfan, Sudhir Gautam, informed the stand-in skipper and Rohit arranged for Nilam’s return air ticket to Colombo from New Delhi On December 5.
“Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the ticket. The surgery went well. I was disturbed when I heard about my father’s health, Rohit has a big heart and he immediately arranged for my return ticket. He is a gem of a person,” Nilam said.
Virat Kohli, who tied the knot with Anushka Sharma, in Italy also messaged Nilam to inquire about his father’s health.
“When Virat bhai came to know about my father’s health, he too messaged me and asked if I needed any help. I congratulated Virat bhai 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,” added Nilam during his interview with the Mid-Day.
