K Appusamy, a weaver from Chennimalai in Erode district, says they have in the past produced bedsheets that showcased images of national leaders. Sachin, of course, is special. "At the end of day 3 of the Mumbai test, Sachin was on 67. Then I hoped he would hit a ton and ordered my unit to come out with the bedsheet. But he got out on 94. I was disappointed but I am sure he would hit the ton eventually," Appusamy said.The Chennimalai Weavers Cooperative Production and Sales Society that Appusamy heads is world famous for its textile products. They export garments to many African countries including Ghana and Nigeria. "Through Co-optex we have also exported to European countries including Germany and Italy," says Appusamy.
"I chose Sachin because he has won India a lot of accolades in the world arena. In his chosen field he has lasted 20 years, which is a lot. He has also hit a double century in one-day internationals. We had made our first Sachin bedsheet then. This is our second one," he said.
Other leaders to have features in Chennimalai bedsheets are Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, APJ Abdul Kalam.