India's biggest fan Sudhir bears the expenses of a Sri Lankan fan

Team India’s biggest fan Sudhir Chaudhary has won many hearts as he sponsored Sri Lanka’s biggest supporter Gayan Senanayaka’s trip to India for the 3 match Test series and the limited overs series. Gyan had earlier sponsored Sudhir’s last four trips to the Island nation. While the players battle it out in the field, there is no dearth of generosity and love among the fans from both quarters.

The Lankans put on a great fight and saved two games (Kolkata and Delhi Tests) while losing one (Nagpur Test). They have put Rohit Sharma-led Indian team on the mat in Dharamshala, the venue for the 1st ODI between the two sides. Sudhir will bear the cost of Gyan’s flight ticket, visa fee, lodging/boarding and travelling across different cities in India throughout the series.

Sudhir returns the favour

“He took good care of me when I went to Sri Lanka — twice in 2012, then in 2015 when Kumar Sangakkara retired and now this year. I thought this time I should bear his expenses as he was planning to come for the entire series,” Sudhir told mid-day on reaching the HPCA stadium here on Saturday from New Delhi for today’s first ODI.

Sudhir’s first meeting with Sachin

Sudhir, who is an ardent fan of Sachin Tendulkar, shared his first meeting with the legendary former cricketer in an interview with Indian Express. “It was at the Trident Hotel on October 29, 2003 that I fell to his feet and Sachin sir invited me home for lunch. There we spoke and he invited me to a match which I happily accepted. He knew my name because I had been stationed at the stadium for three days prior to it. I had graduation exams coming but even though Sachin sir said I should go give exams first, I decided that I can give exams anytime.”