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'Probably The First-Ever Fan...,' Rohit Sharma Reveals His Love For Legendary  Sri Lankan Fan

image-log2oy6xRohit with Uncle Percy and others in Sri Lanka. (X.com)

Ahead of India's World Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Captain Rohit Sharma fondly recalled his meeting with Uncle Percy and mourned his recent passing. 

Percy Abeysekara, affectionately known as Uncle Percey, passed away on October 30 at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. Uncle Percy, known for his unwavering support of the Sri Lankan cricket team since the 1979 World Cup, was a familiar face in the stands whenever the Sri Lankan team played.

"I was lucky to get an opportunity to meet him in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup. He has been such a great fan of cricket, of course, the Sri Lankan team. He is probably the first-ever fan that I met who has genuine and the support from his side towards his team, towards the players was fantastic to see. 

When I first went to Sri Lanka in 2005 for the U19 World Cup, he was there, I was a little boy, I had no idea about how things work outside the cricket field, I was not too much into that. But when I went with the Indian team in 2008, I saw him for the first time, I saw how passionate he was and I got lucky as well to meet his family, his son and grandson. They were very sweet. I went with a few of my team members,"  said Rohit Sharma in the press-conference.

Uncle Percy shared close relationships with several cricket stars, including Rohit and Virat Kohli. During the 2023 Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka, Rohit visited Uncle Percy at his home, demonstrating the respect and affection he garnered from international players. 

In 2015, during India's tour to Sri Lanka, then-Test skipper Virat Kohli invited Uncle Percy to the Indian dressing room for a brief interaction, highlighting the deep bond he had formed with these cricketers.

Rohit will lead India in their seventh match of the 2023 World Cup against Sri Lanka on November 2. He has a strong track record against Sri Lanka, amassing 1860 runs from 51 matches at an average of 46.50 and a strike rate of 94.36, including six centuries and seven half-centuries.