Job satisfaction in frenzy for fanatic fan

While many would question his lifestyle, the 34-year-old from Bihar's Muzaffarpur is content doing what he is.
Sudhir
Sudhir

VISAKHAPATNAM: As the Indian team practised for the fifth ODI against New Zealand, a puny man waved the Tricolour almost as big as himself. He went on doing his routine till the players were at the stadium.

As the team left, he waited outside the stadium for a lift to the hotel the players are staying. This is all part of a day's work for Sudhir Choudhary, the fan who travels to almost every place the Indian team plays. Over 13 years, Sudhir has been to every venue in India and some abroad.

Saturday's decider will be his 275th ODI, by his own estimates. Regardless of authenticity of the figure, Sudhir's enthusiasm and energy is remarkable.

He wants to complete 463 ODIs, the number of matches Sachin Tendulkar played in this format. The Little Master is a Sudhir fan of sorts, for he got sponsors to fund his trip to Australia-New Zealand for last year's World Cup.

The man to have redefined fanaticism with his India-map hairstyle and Sachin Tendulkar body paint claims to have cheered for the team in 53 Tests and 48T20s too. “Even though Sachin sir retired, I kept on cheering India in every match. I feel this is my duty and I shall keep doing for as long as I can. I want to reach Sachin sir's mark of 463 matches at least,” Sudhir said.

While many would question his lifestyle, the 34-year-old from Bihar's Muzaffarpur is content doing what he is.

Though he lives on support from friends and well wishers, he has quit jobs thrice and has no plans of looking for another either. It is for survival when the team is not playing that he needs a job. “I don't exactly care about a job.

Cricket gives me the greatest satisfaction and I will continue to support the team. This for me is a regular job and it comes with a lot of perks too.” That might encourage others to tread this path!

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