The relation between Sachin Tendulkar and his most dedicated fan Sudhir Kumar Gautam is very heart warming. Sudhir’s love for the Master Blaster is very well-known among the cricket fans.
The skinny guy painted in the tri colour and No. 10 has been a common feature in the stands supporting Sachin whenever India played. He somewhat became an integral of the team without any official acknowledgement.
Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement didn’t stop him from supporting team India, though. He still continues to be a leader of the fan brigade and cheer team India with the same never dying enthusiasm.
Ahead of the Champion Trophy, Sudhir Kumar Gautam faced a small hiccup in getting the visa to the UK. However, the star fan did have to face many issues as the legend himself wrote a referral letter to the visa office citing the importance of the individual and termed him as the unofficial mascot of Team India. Eventually, Sudhir had the visa granted in three days.
Tendulkar’s letter read,
“I am writing to confirm that Mr Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary has been an ardent supporter of the Indian Cricket Team and has become an unofficial mascot of the team due to his enthusiasm,”
“His commitment has been relentless and whenever the team is on tour, he goes to great lengths to be present for the games at his own expense. It is unfortunate that someone from a modest background, who is supporting Indian cricket without accepting any help from the players, is made to face numerous hardships to enable him to follow his passion,” Sachin Tendulkar mentioned in his letter.
“I hope on my behalf you will extend your co-operation to Sudhir Kumar as required by him,” Tendulkar concluded.