Cricket World Cup: Only one player matters for Indian cricket team's diehard fan

Avid Indian cricket fan Sudhir Kumar Gautham. Photo / Christine Cornege

When it comes to sports fans, Sudhir Kumar Gautham might just be the most diehard.

Mr Gautham from India has followed his country's cricket team around the world for the past 14 years.

He has only ever missed one match - and that only because he was unable to secure a visa.

You can't miss this super fan in the crowd, with his face and body painted in India's national colours, a replica of the World Cup trophy strapped to his head and the name and playing number of his hero, Sachin Tendulkar, emblazoned across his chest.

Mr Gautham's quest has continued beyond Tendulkar's retirement in November 2013. But when asked whether he will ever paint another player's name on his chest it is clear that his support for his hero is unwavering.

"No, never, only Tendulkar," he said.

The highlight of his 14-year journey following the team is, not surprisingly, India's triumph over Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 final in Mumbai.

After the match he was invited into the Indian dressing room by Tendulkar, where he was photographed with both his hero and the World Cup trophy. He proudly displays this photo on his phone.

"It was a dream for me and for Sachin Tendulkar, and that dream was realised when we won the World Cup," he said.

It's a dream he keeps alive and hopes to realise again at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29.

The Indian team are certainly doing their part. Five wins from five games has them sitting atop Pool B, with their final pool match against Zimbabwe to be played tomorrow at Eden Park.

A crowd of around 30,000 is expected for the match.

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