Rohit Sharma funds a Sri Lanka fan's return to Colombo

India and Sri Lanka are currently involved in a fierce contest in the ongoing three-match ODI series in which the visitors are leading by 1-0. The second match is about to commence in Mohali at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. 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 captain of India Rohit Sharma funded a Sri Lankan fan to return to his hometown to be with his sick father in Colombo.

Three Lankan fans Gayan Senananyaka, Pubudu and Mohamed Nilam are in India and have been supporting their team throughout their tour. However, Nilam’s father was diagnosed with the throat cancer during the third and final Test in Delhi and had to undergo an urgent surgery. 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.

Virat also concerned

The die-hard Indian fan Sudhir Gautam informed Rohit Sharma about the health of Nilam’s father after which the skipper arranged a return air ticket for Nilam on December 5 so that he could be with his father soon in his difficult times. “Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the [R20,000 approx] ticket,” Nilam informed Mid-day Colombo on Tuesday. He also told further that the health of his father is much better and also revealed that Rohit financially helped him for the surgery.

“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,” Nilam added. While the regular Indian skipper Virat Kohli was in Italy for his wedding, he was also concerned about the health of Nilam’s father.

“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,” Nilam concluded. The fan- connect of these top Indian cricketers is really heartwarming and one would hope that the same continues in the years to come.