As Team India took on Bangladesh on Tuesday at the ICC World Cup 2019, it was not just the performance of the players that got everyone talking online.
While Indian opener Rohit Sharma and bowler Jasprit Bumrah won hearts for their performances, cheering for the desi men on the stands was an elderly fan, who stole the show online with her celebrations.
Dressed in a traditional saree, along with a woollen sweater and a shawl — the elderly woman proved, age is just a number when it came to rooting for your favourite team. With Indian flags painted on her cheeks and cheering with a plastic trumpet at Edgbaston — she garnered all the attention from camera crews and become an instant star across social media platforms.
As her exuberant celebrations and cheerleading gestures touched a chord with Indians all across the globe, the woman was later identified by the commentators as 87-year-old Charulata Patel.
You've got to love this passion!#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/v1BHcWB7Lx
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
“I have been watching cricket for the last many decades, from the time I was in Africa. Earlier I used to watch on TV when I was working, but now that I am retired I watch it live,” she later said.
Virat Kohli, India's captain, was seen having a conversation with Charulata Patel, the 87-year-old Indian fan, after beating Bangladesh by 28 runs in a World Cup 2019 match at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Virat Kohli then took to Twitter to share pictures with the elderly Indian fan.
"Also would like to thank all our fans for all the love & support & especially Charulata Patel ji. She's 87 and probably one of the most passionate & dedicated fans I've ever seen. Age is just a number, passion takes you leaps & bounds. With her blessings, on to the next one," Virat wrote in his tweet.
Also would like to thank all our fans for all the love & support & especially Charulata Patel ji. She's 87 and probably one of the most passionate & dedicated fans I've ever seen. Age is just a number, passion takes you leaps & bounds. With her blessings, on to the next one. 🙏🏼😇 pic.twitter.com/XHII8zw1F2
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 2, 2019
After India's victory in Birmingham, Virat had a chat with the elderly fan.
Here's the video:
How amazing is this?!
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
India's top-order superstars @imVkohli and @ImRo45 each shared a special moment with one of the India fans at Edgbaston.#CWC19 | #BANvIND pic.twitter.com/3EjpQBdXnX
Speaking to media, she told that she has been watching cricket for last many decades. She also added that she was there in 1983, when India won the World Cup for the first time under the captaincy of Kapil Dev.
"India will win the world cup I am sure. I pray to Lord Ganesha that India wins. I bless the team always. When Kapil paaji won the World Cup in 1983, I was there as well," she was quoted as saying.