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Gambhir and Nehra meet President Rajapaksa
Two Indian cricketers, opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, and left-arm bowler Ashish Nehra, would be returning to India from Sri Lanka on Monday night after receiving treatment for injuries received while playing in the current IPL series, reports Sutirtho Patranobis.
Two Indian cricketers, opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, and left-arm bowler Ashish Nehra, would be returning to India from Sri Lanka on Monday night after receiving treatment for injuries received while playing in the current IPL series.
The two Indian cricketers, who are playing for Delhi Daredevils, met President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday evening before they left for India.
Interestingly, Mumbai Indian’s Sanath Jayasuriya is standing in the general election to be held on April 8 from Rajapaksa’s party. Jayasuriya is apparently the only player who has been allowed to leave India while the IPL is on to return to Sri Lanka and campaign in Matara, his hometown and from where he is standing.
Gambhir and Nehra flew down to Colombo last week after suffering injuries, which had threatened to keep them out of this year’s IPL. They were treated here by ayurvedic doctor Eliyantha White, at the request of Rajapaksa, the Presidential secretariat said in statement on Monday evening.
Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar had also been successfully treated for a sports injury by White, also at the request of Rajapaksa, an official at the secretariat said.
Gambhir and Nehra thanked Rajapaksa and White for their speedy recovery when they met him at Janadhipathi Mandiraya, the official residence of the President in Colombo, before their departure to India. ``They had been invited by the President,’’ an official said.
Gambhir and Nehra also thanked Sri Lankan cricketer and teammate Dilshan Tillekeratne for recommending treatment in Sri Lanka and making arrangements for it through Rajapaksa.
