Sachin's No. 1 fan to inscribe 'Miss U Tendulkar' on his chest
Everywhere team India goes, this man goes...
A permanent sight with his trademark number 10, Sachin Tendulkar jersey painted on his chest.
But as frequent as Sudhir Gautam maybe in the cricket stadium, his is a rare story of a fan being close to his idol.
For a decade now, Sachin Tendulkar has personally seen to it that Sudhir is able to watch every India match at home.
From arranging his tickets, to helping out with his travel and stay. Tendulkar has even tried to help Sudhir off the field financially - a help the fan has shunned. All he wants is the chance to be close to his idol and watch the Indian team in action.
Sudhir is as close as a fan has ever been to Sachin - with a direct line to the Master Blaster himself. In a country of a billion plus cricket and Sachin fans, he has managed to carve a place for himself like no other fan could.
But now, that love affair is about to end, at least on the field, with Tendulkar's retirement.
'I was getting myself ready for the Rajkot T20 that India played against Australia. I heard of Tendulkar's retirement decision when I reached the stadium. I didn't know what to think but there was definitely sadness that came over.'
Sudhir describes his relationship with Sachin as that of a god and his devotee.
Perhaps that's why he says he couldn't bring himself to say anything to Sachin when he spoke to him post his decision. 'I have no place to say anything on his decision.'
The message on Sudhir's chest will now change to 'Miss U Tendulkar'.
Perhaps for the last two Tests, he says he will even add the moniker Tendulkar has earned and made his own over the years - God of Cricket.
But he'll still be there in every India match even post Sachin's swansong at Wankhede, with the cherished memories of his icon.
'I will always cherish the moments I shared with Sachin after he finally realised his dream of winning the World cup in 2011. He called me into the dressing room and let me lift the trophy.'
A permanent sight with his trademark number 10, Sachin Tendulkar jersey painted on his chest.
But as frequent as Sudhir Gautam maybe in the cricket stadium, his is a rare story of a fan being close to his idol.
For a decade now, Sachin Tendulkar has personally seen to it that Sudhir is able to watch every India match at home.
From arranging his tickets, to helping out with his travel and stay. Tendulkar has even tried to help Sudhir off the field financially - a help the fan has shunned. All he wants is the chance to be close to his idol and watch the Indian team in action.
Sudhir is as close as a fan has ever been to Sachin - with a direct line to the Master Blaster himself. In a country of a billion plus cricket and Sachin fans, he has managed to carve a place for himself like no other fan could.
Sachin with his fan Sudhir.
But now, that love affair is about to end, at least on the field, with Tendulkar's retirement.
'I was getting myself ready for the Rajkot T20 that India played against Australia. I heard of Tendulkar's retirement decision when I reached the stadium. I didn't know what to think but there was definitely sadness that came over.'
Sudhir describes his relationship with Sachin as that of a god and his devotee.
Perhaps that's why he says he couldn't bring himself to say anything to Sachin when he spoke to him post his decision. 'I have no place to say anything on his decision.'
The message on Sudhir's chest will now change to 'Miss U Tendulkar'.
Perhaps for the last two Tests, he says he will even add the moniker Tendulkar has earned and made his own over the years - God of Cricket.
But he'll still be there in every India match even post Sachin's swansong at Wankhede, with the cherished memories of his icon.
'I will always cherish the moments I shared with Sachin after he finally realised his dream of winning the World cup in 2011. He called me into the dressing room and let me lift the trophy.'
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