Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score 3 ODI double centuries after his 208* against Sri Lanka at Mohali in 2nd ODI. However, the superstar batsman also proved that he is not only a good cricketer but also a good human being after a noble act.
A Sri Lankan fan named Mohammad Nilam had been in India along with two mates of his following ongoing India vs Sri Lanka series. During the third test at Delhi, Nilam came to know that his father had been diagnosed with throat cancer and Nilam had to rush to Colombo for surgery.
However, he lacked sufficient funds to buy an air ticket. In came Indian cricket”s mascot, Sudhir Gautam to the rescue! He informed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about Nilam.
Rohit called Nilam to the team hotel and gave him an amount that will suffice for his travel back home. He also offered financial help for surgery but Nilam said, “That”s fine!”
“Rohit called me to the team hotel and gave me the (Rs 20,000 approx) ticket. The surgery went well. I was disturbed when I heard about my father”s health, Rohit has a big heart and he immediately arranged for my return ticket. He is a gem of a person,” Nilam told Mid-Day.
“When Virat bhai came to know about my father”s health, he too messaged me and asked if I needed any help. I congratulated Virat bhai 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,” Nilam added.
Rohit Sharma is India”s stand-in captain in absence of Virat Kohli. He had a disastrous start to his captaincy career at Dharamshala when India suffered an embarrassing defeat. After a disappointing outing in first ODI as India”s skipper at Dharamshala, “Hitman” had his tasks cut out. He needed to step up to avoid what could have been the most embarrassing series defeat. And he did not disappoint!  He became the only man on the earth to score 3 ODI double tons.
The 3rd ODI, which is a series decider now will be played at Visakhapatnam on December 17.
– by Atharva Apte
