Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) A day after India clinched the World Cup, fans thronged outside ace batsman Gautam Gambhir’s home in central Delhi Sunday to congratulate his family. Gambhir had played the role of a sheet anchor and made a brave 97 in the final against Sri Lanka.

The fans, some of who were still groggy after the night’s celebration, were mostly residents of Rajendra Nagar, where Gambhir lives.

“I live just a few blocks away and came here with my friends to congratulate Gambhir’s family. He was the hero of the final match and if he had not anchored the innings, god knows what may have happened,” said 20-year-old Vishal Batra.

“We came here yesterday night too and burst crackers with his family and distributed sweets,” he added, waving the Indian flag.

However, many people were not aware that the house they passed every morning on their way to the nearby Metro station belonged to the famous batsman.

They were perplexed at the gathering of fans and media, with around half a dozen cameras pointing at the home.

“I take this road everyday to reach the Metro station, but I had no idea that Gambhir lived here. But now that I know it, I feel thrilled that I am neighbours with a national hero,” said Praveen Singh, a 24-year-old student.

Meanwhile, the crowd vowed to return as soon as Gambhir landed in the national capital.

“We’ll be here again when Gambhir returns and the celebrations will continue,” said 15-year-old Sachin Thakwani, who comes to play cricket every Sunday morning in the ground near Gambhir’s house.

“I admire Gambhir and want to be like him one day,” he smiled.