Gayan Senanayake: Sri Lankan superfan who shares a special bond with Virat and Rohit

PC- Debasis Sen

There was a familiar face in the stands next to Galle Cricket Club for all five days of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. With his trademark trumpet and unwavering support for Sri Lankan cricket, Gayan Senanayake stood out among the partisan crowd. The Sri Lankan super fan was with his Indian counterpart Sudhir Gautam as they both cheered their respective teams.

Friendship with Virat Kohli

Gayan’s friendship with Virat Kohli holds a special place. It began when Kohli visited Sri Lanka with India’s Under-19 team in 2007 for a triangular series ahead of the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. Gayan recalls encouraging a young Kohli and backing his leadership potential, even wishing him success at the World Cup. Years later, when Kohli made his ODI debut in Dambulla during India’s tour of Sri Lanka, the two met again, and Gayan reminded him of his earlier prediction that he would soon make it to the Indian team. Kohli warmly acknowledged Gayan’s support and thanked him for his good wishes.

An invitation to Virat Kohli’s wedding reception

During Sri Lanka’s India tour in 2017-18, Gayan congratulated Virat Kohli on his wedding to Anushka Sharma. To his surprise, Kohli invited him to the wedding on December 26. After speaking with the Indian team manager, arrangements were made for Gayan to attend, and he travelled with Kuldeep Yadav and Manish Pandey after changing at the hotel.

A special bond with Rohit Sharma

Gayan also shares a close friendship with former India captain Rohit Sharma. Their bond began when Gayan first met Rohit during India’s 2006 tour of Sri Lanka and it grew stronger as Rohit became a regular in the Indian team. They have stayed in touch over the years through calls and messages, with Rohit even sharing his phone number. Gayan fondly recalls congratulating Rohit after he scored a triple century in domestic cricket, a moment that highlighted the mutual respect and warmth in their friendship.

The beginning of a passion

Since 2000, the 47-year-old has followed the Sri Lanka national team around the world, becoming one of the most recognisable faces. Following the passing of Percy Abeysekara, Gayan has emerged as one of the most prominent supporters of the Sri Lankan cricket team. His passion for cricket has taken him across continents, and for the past 13 years, his travels have been supported by the DBL Group. The company helps him with visas, flight tickets and accommodation whenever Sri Lanka tours overseas, allowing him to continue his remarkable journey alongside the national team. But Gayan’s connection with cricket extends beyond supporting Sri Lanka.

Message from a true fan

For Gayan, supporting Sri Lanka has never meant disrespecting the opposition. He believes true fans should celebrate good performances, support their own team with pride and respect players from every country, while valuing friendship and sportsmanship above rivalry.

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