India captain Rohit Sharma, already a bit hit among fans, has now won plenty more supporters. The Mumbai right-hander's gesture towards a Sri Lankan is one of the nicest stories you will get to read.
Rohit, who demolished Sri Lankan bowling attack today (December 13) with a world record 208 not out in the second ODI at Mohali's IS Bindra Stadium, had paid Rs 20,000 to buy an air ticket for a man from the island nation so that he could be with his ailing father.
Also read: Rohit sets world record, also matches Sehwag
According to a report in "Mid-Day", Gayan Senanayaka, Pubudu and Mohamed Nilam were in India to support the Sri Lankan team. They arrived for the three-match Test series. However, during the final Test in Delhi, Nilam had to rush back to Colombo to be with his dad, who was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Check out photos from Rohit's double ton in Mohali
Nilam and his friends had planned to stay for the entire duration of their team's tour, which included the limited-overs series, which ends on December 26. So, they had booked their return tickets after the final T20I in Mumbai.
With his dad set to undergo surgery, Nilam had to fly back home immediately. However, he did not have the air ticket and it was Rohit who helped him.
Rohit was informed about Nilam's plight by famous Indian fan Sudhir Gautam, according to the newspaper.
"Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the [Rs 20,000 approx] ticket," Nilam told the newspaper yesterday (December 12) from Colombo.
"My father (after surgery on December 9) 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," he added.
Nilam also revealed that Virat Kohli, who married Anushka Sharma on December 11 in Italy, too offered help.
"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," he said.
In Mohali yesterday, Rohit enquired about Nilam from his friend Senananyaka.
