Mumbai: Muttiah Muralitharan's family in Sri Lanka expressed concern over the recent flood situation in Chennai.
Muralitharan, world’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, is India's son-in-law. The former Sri Lankan off-spinner is married to Madhi, the daughter of late Dr S. Ramamurthy and his wife Dr Nithya Ramamurthy.
"Murali has many friends here in Chennai and in other parts of this country and most of them called up to inquire whether we need any help," his mother-in-law, Dr. Nithya Ramamurthy said from Fortis Mallar Hospital (formerly Mallar Hospital).
Over 100-year-old record-breaking rainfall in Chennai has forced Murali's in-laws to move to the hospital.
"The area where we are living is completely flooded and we have been allotted a room here in the hospital so that I can look after the patients," Dr. Nithya Ramamurthy, a gynaecologist, added.
The rescue operations are being undertaken on a war-footing basis in Chennai.
Later, Madhi, the wife of Muttiah Muralitharan, speaking exclusively from Colombo, said, "I am not only worried for my family in Chennai but all affected people in the city. I have very high concern for them, am worried for them. But sadly we can't do anything from here. It is nature's call and nobody can do anything except to pray."
Madhi was to be in Chennai next week but owing to the cancellation of all flights, she has changed her bookings.
"We shall be going to Chennai in January. My son (Naren) birthday is on 21st January and my mother's next day. We want to seek mother's blessings,” she added.
Incidentally, Muralitharan also holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and therefore he doesn't need a visa for travelling to India.
"He keeps coming to India often. He is also involved in coaching to Indian boys," the mother-in-law quipped.
Murali is believed to have donated a sum of Rs. 1 crore towards Chennai flood relief fund.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
