Meet Sri Lanka’s biggest fan, Uncle Percy
Indian captain Rohit Sharma drew plaudits for his captaincy and batting recital in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 tournament. Under his tutelage, Team India made it all the way to the finals and defeated Sri Lanka in the final showdown to lift the eighth Asia Cup trophy. Rohit Sharma joined the elite list of Mohammad Azharuddin and MS Dhoni to become the third Indian captain to clinch two Asia Cup titles.
During the continental event, a picture of Rohit Sharma meeting one of the biggest cricket fans in the world widely circulated on social media. The Indian captain took some time off his practice session to meet Percy Abeysekakra, who is nicknamed ‘Uncle Percy’. The 87-year-old man from Sri Lanka is a die-hard cricket fan and has been following the bat-ball game since his childhood days.
Percy couldn’t be any happier upon meeting Rohit Sharma at his residence in Colombo. Rohit Sharma is known for his friendly interactions with his fans. The Indian skipper has a decorated fan following not just in India but across the world. He never shied away from acknowledging and showing appreciation for his fans, whether it’s in person or on social media during games and events.
Sri Lanka’s biggest fan meets Rohit Sharma at his residence
The 36-year-old paid a visit to Percy’s residence in Ekala at the request of Gayan Senanayake, another popular Sri Lankan fan. For the record, Gayan met Virat Kohli during the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup in Dubai. Gayan is super popular among Indian cricketers as he was invited by the Indian players into their dressing room in 2015 following the third day’s play of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo.
In an interview with Rev Sportz, Sri Lanka’s super fan, Abeysekera described the unforgettable 2015 incident stating that Virat Kohli took special permission from security to let the Sri Lankan fan, Abeysekara inside the dressing room. “Actually, in the India match, Virat Kohli was batting well, they went to the dressing room and called me. I went to the dressing room, and everyone started dancing and cheering. I danced with them.”
