The Virat Kohli-led Indian team defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs to reach the last-four stage. While the ‘men in blue’ have received massive support in England and Wales throughout the 10-team World Cup 2019, a supporter in the stands caught everyone’s attention. Even Indian players and former cricketers praised the enthusiastic fan, who was 87-year-old young!
Birmingham: While India won their match against Bangladesh at the ICC World Cup 2019 on Tuesday (July 2) to reach the semi-finals, a special fan stole the show at the Edgbaston ground in Birmingham.
Also read: World Cup 2019 format, rain rules, Super Over and other playing conditions
The Virat Kohli-led Indian team defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs to reach the last-four stage. While the ‘men in blue’ have received massive support in England and Wales throughout the 10-team tournament, a supporter in the stands caught everyone’s attention.
Cricket really is for all ages!
Meet the fan whose support is simply sensational 👏👏 | pic.twitter.com/4TaXCvSgzr
Even Indian players and former cricketers praised the enthusiastic fan, who was 87-year-old young!
India’s ex-captain Sourav Ganguly was full of praise for the 87-year-old Charulata Patel. She was captured on TV blowing a trumpet (vuvuzela) throughout the game.
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)She became an internet sensation and Twitterati were effusive in her praise for the octogenarian. “India will win the World Cup. I pray to Lord Ganesha that India wins. I bless the team always,” Charulata told ANI news agency.
"I like cricket because my children used to play at Surrey county. I was not born in India. I was born in Tanzania. But my parents are from India. I am proud for my country. From 20 years, after I retired, I started to watch cricket. I am very happy. So far I have given maybe four to five interviews (today)," she told the International Cricket Council's (ICCI) digital team.
India captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma met Charulata and the official Twitter handle of the World Cup 2019 shared videos of the same. Kohli thanked her for her support and took her blessings. Later, he tweeted pictures of his meeting with her.
Player of the Match Rohit Sharma celebrates the win with a special fan 🙌 | pic.twitter.com/bz7Sjgo7jh
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup)Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, after the match, said it was one of the greatest scenes to see Kohli chatting with her. Manjrekar is part of the TV commentary team. Rohit won the Man-of-the-match for his century and later he went and spoke to Charulata.
Earlier, Charulata reached the stadium on a wheelchair, helped by her granddaughter.
India might have won the match, but the real winner on Tuesday was the 87-year-old Charulata.
How amazing is this?!
India's top-order superstars and each shared a special moment with one of the India fans at Edgbaston. | pic.twitter.com/3EjpQBdXnX
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