Charulata Patel, the 87-year-old Team India superfan who took the cricketing public by storm with her enthusiastic celebrations during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash against Bangladesh, has died. In a tweet put out by the BCCI, it said, "Team India's Superfan Charulata Patel ji will always remain in our hearts and her passion for the game will keep motivating us. May her soul rest in peace." During the game against Bangladesh, Charulata Patel came to the game on wheelchair with her granddaughter. Her enthusiasm made sure broadcaster made her the centre of attention despite the 25,000 crowd at the stadium. She was seen blowing her trumpet, cheering for the men in blue.
Donning a tricolour scarf, and with a bright yellow vuvuzela and a flag in hand, Charulatha was spotted celebrating every run. So much, that it caught the attention of Sourav Ganguly in the commentary box. The former captain helped identify the fan for those watching the game.
When the official the ICC World Cup 2019 went to her, she said, "when Kapil paaji won the World Cup in 1983, I was there as well. Whenever Indian cricketers come over (to England) to play, I pray for them. I am a big believe in Lord Ganesh and I have full faith that India will win. I bless the players, I hope they take care, do well and give us a chance to win," she further added.
Virat Kohli's Admiration
Following the end of the game, India skipper Virat Kohli put out some photos and expressed his admiration for the 87-year-old. After the match, Kohli tweeted, "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."
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Virat Kohli had expressed his admiration for the 87-year-old on Twitter. (Image credit: BCCI Twitter)
In the match, Rohit Sharma mastered the art of knocking Bangladesh out at a crucial stage in a major ICC tournament. In the 2015 quarterfinal, his century gave India a big win in Melbourne while in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, he blasted another ton in Edgbaston to dash Bangladesh’s hopes.
Also Read | Charulata Patel, 87-year-old fan, steals show as India knock Bangladesh out of World Cup
In the 2019 World Cup and at the same venue, Rohit notched up his 26th ton overall and fourth in the tournament and despite some spirited resistance from Shakib Al Hasan and the lower-middle order, India knocked Bangladesh out of the reckoning for the last four.
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