Chennai fan Saravanan cannot afford to miss Dhoni in action

One familiar face in the crowd was H. Saravanan from Chennai, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s most notable fan. The 30-year-old said it was his ‘duty’ to support his idol and Team India whenever they are playing at home. “I have been recognised by Dhoni sir himself that I am his biggest fan. So, I make it a point to support Dhoni and India whenever they are playing. 

And in an event as big as a World Cup, there was no way I could miss it,” Saravanan said. With his body painted in bright colours, the number of his idol written on his chest and a curly wig, Saravanan spends close to five hours painting his body before a match. He goes through the effort for Dhoni. The story goes that Saravanan was bedridden with a knee injury after an accident in 2010. 

When he was laid up, he watched the 2011 World Cup and was completely inspired by Dhoni’s six that won the World Cup for India. He started supporting Dhoni as a CSK fan, and continues to show up for all matches. He now gets some support from the organisers but it’s largely his own time and effort that brings him to all match venues. 

His two friends help paint his body. The thought of spending on his accommodation and food does not deter him any bit. “I must thank some of the support staff who helped me book flight and matchday tickets in Nagpur, Kolkata and now Bengaluru. I deem it an honour to spend money on my other expenses and it is the least I can do for Indian cricket,” Saravanan added.