By Baidurjo Bhose

Leeds, JJul 6 (IANS): Shyam Sharma was a fast bowler plying his trade for Pelican Club in the Delhi circuit when a tennis elbow cut short his cricket career. But that didnt deter him from staying connected to the gentlemans game. From a bowler trying to rattle the batsmen, he is now a super fan who makes it a point to travel across the world to support the Indian team at every World Cup.

In England to witness his eighth World Cup, Shyam started watching the showpiece event from as early as 1992, the first time Sachin Tendulkar took guard in a World Cup game. And his favourite memory remains the cut Tendulkar played off Shoaib Akhtar in the 2003 game against arch-rivals Pakistan at Centurion.

"Started off in 1992 and over the years, Tendulkar definitely has to be one player who has given me plenty of memories. Getting a tennis elbow meant I could no longer play the game. So, the next best way to stay connected was to support the team from the stands. While I never thought it would become such a big passion, here I am, watching my eighth World Cup in England. I was here even in 1999.

"I have had quite a few moments over the years that have been close to my heart. But the one that stays etched to the memory is the upper cut Tendulkar played off Akhtar at Centurion in 2003. We were really tense after Pakistan put on a good show batting first. But once he hit that shot, we knew we had something special coming our way," Shyam smiled.

Asked if he knew the players now that he has been supporting them for so long, Shyam answered in the affirmative. "Most of them are almost like brothers. When you follow the team so closely, they are bound to recognise you. Among the older players, Virender Sehwag is a good friend," he said.

Here to watch the India games only, Shyam wants Virat Kohli and boys to lift the World Cup at the balcony of Lord's on July 14.

"Over the years, I have cut short the number of games I watch. Earlier I would watch as many games as I could. But now I only watch the India games. Hopefully we will win the final at Lord's on July 14," he signed off.