Tendulkar superfan ‘pelted with stones’ in Bangladesh

Published June 22, 2015
Sudhir Gautham, who paints his body with Indian tri-colour, told told a Hindi news channel that he was “pelted with stones”. — YouTube screengrab
Sudhir Gautham, who paints his body with Indian tri-colour, told told a Hindi news channel that he was “pelted with stones”. — YouTube screengrab

Sudhir Gautam, arguably Sachin Tendulkar and India’s biggest fan, claimed that he was attacked by Bangladesh spectators in Dhaka hours after India’s humiliating series defeat to the hosts on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Sudhir, who paints his body with the Indian tri-colour, told a Hindi news channel that he was “pelted with stones” and the auto-rickshaw he was travelling in was also attacked.

“Angry spectators chased my auto and screamed that they wanted to take revenge for Bangladesh's World Cup quarterfinal defeat against India,” said Sudhir, adding that security officials had to intervene to save him from the unrelenting mob.

Ninteen-year-old left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman tore through the Indian batting order once again to help Bangladesh seal the three-match ODI series with a thumping six-wicket win in Dhaka.

The win, which followed Thursday's 79-run success, all but confirmed Bangladesh's place in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Having already won the series, Bangladesh and India will meet in the final ODI on Wednesday.

Gautam is Tendulkar's ‘biggest’ fan and used to travel around the world to watch the now-retired star play. Painted in the colours of the Indian flag — with his idol's name written across his chest and back, he still a prominent sight in the stand whenever India plays.

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