India have played Sri Lanka so frequently that their cricketers have developed a good rapport with with Sri Lankan fans now
India have played Sri Lanka so frequently that their cricketers have developed a good rapport with with Sri Lankan fans now. India skipper Rohit Sharma and rested Virat Kohli's gesture were quite heartwarming in this freezing weather. Sri Lanka's three die-hard fans —Gayan Senananyaka, Pubudu and Mohamed Nilam — have been supporting their team for the entire India tour. However, during the third and final Test in New Delhi, Nilam's father was diagnosed with throat cancer in Colombo. His return was scheduled from Mumbai on December 26 after the final T20 Internationals. Nilam's father had to undergo an urgent surgery but he didn't have the luxury of returning on the same ticket.
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Rohit Sharma
Sudhir informs Rohit
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma was informed about the health of Nilam's father by Indian fan Sudhir Gautam. On December 5, Rohit arranged for Nilam's return air ticket to Colombo from New Delhi so that he could be by his father's side in time for the surgery. "Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the [R20,000 approx] ticket," Nilam told mid-day from Colombo yesterday. Nilam was relieved to be at home before the surgery took place on December 9.
Mohamed Nilam
"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," said Nilam, who has been following Rohit's career since he first came to Sri Lanka in 2008. Nilam revealed Rohit also offered financial help for his father's surgery. "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," said Nilam.
Virat offered to help too
After yesterday's practice session, Rohit was seen enquiring with Gayan about the health of Nilam's father post his surgery. It is not just Rohit, who is concerned about the Sri Lankan;s father. Even Virat Kohli, who is in Italy for his wedding with Anushka Sharma. "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," said Nilam.
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