Published: Feb 14, 2015, 08:14 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2015, 10:27 AM (IST)
Adelaide: Sudhir Kumar, the famous Indian cricket fan, has arrived in Australia for the ICC World Cup 2015. Normally, he is seen in matches in the subcontinent, but he has made it here thanks to a few sponsors and Sachin Tendulkar. The former Indian batsman wrote a letter to the Australian embassy in Delhi to grant him the visa. He also called them and Sudhir’s visa was done in one day.
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In his letter to the embassy, Tendulkar said that Sudhir has been a great supporter of Indian cricket. Usually, a tourist visa takes up to a month for processing at the Australian embassy in Delhi. Tendulkar wrote, “I am writing to confirm that Mr. Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary has been an ardent supporter of the Indian Cricket Team and has become a national icon due to his enthusiasm.” Tendulkar further requested the embassy to help him get the visa as Sudhir wanted to get here before the India-Pakistan match. As a result, he got it in a day. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
Sudhir came to the Adelaide Oval as India began practicing. He said, “Boss ne madad Kari. (Hindi for: The boss helped me).” He actually painted himself with the colours of the Indian flag before leaving the country. Thus, he arrived in Australia fully painted. When asked whether he had any troubles at the airport, he said, “Kuch nahi. Jab main topi nikaalta tha, toh won dekhte the.” (Hindi for: nothing. Whenever I took off my cap, they would keep watching). Sudhir has cut his hair in the shape of the Indian map and has it painted in the tri-colour. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
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Sudhir entered the ground and announced his arrival by playing the conch. Some members of the India support staff came to greet him as well. Soon, the Indian fans swarmed around him and were chanting, “Sachin, Sachin!” Some of the Pakistan fans joined in, but they chanted, “Pakistan Zindabad.” The atmosphere has been gradually building in Adelaide with many India and Pakistan fans arriving in the city. As India started practice on Saturday, the fans came in small batches to welcome the team and add to the atmosphere. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
