Cricket is much more than a game in India. It excites, inspires and unifies us all as nothing else does. And the fandom is just as vibrant and wonderful as the sport itself. People from different backgrounds cheer together and support the Men In Blue. But sometimes, a few of these fans stand out from the rest of the crowd and wow us with their energy and gusto. Like Chacha Chicago and Dhoni’s elderly fan.
Yesterday’s world cup match between India and Bangladesh introduced us to another such zealous fan. 87-year-old Charulata Patel was seen with a tricolour scarf rooting for the team with her trumpet. Her liveliness and vivacity were infectious, to say the least.
Ajji in audience, India will win. #CWC19 #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/IvpyjoUFRA
— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) July 2, 2019
Which is probably why she successfully broke the internet. NDTV quoted her saying,
“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.”
India Today quoted her adding,
“I love this Indian team and all the players are like my kids.”
Even skipper Virat Kohli noticed her cheering from the stands and went up to her to seek her blessings.
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
Man of the Match Rohit Sharma greeted her next. Here are the heartwarming moments captured on video.
How amazing is this?!
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
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
Industrialist Anand Mahindra even offered to sponsor her tickets for the semifinals and finals!
Ok, watched the last over & it had all the drama I needed. The best victories are those that make you bite your nails at 1st & then make it look easy in the end. Shabash, India & make sure this match-winning lady is present at the semifinals & finals…give her a free ticket! https://t.co/Smp0MrqCIA
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 2, 2019
Find out who she is & I promise I will reimburse her ticket costs for the rest of the India matches!😊 https://t.co/dvRHLwtX2b
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 2, 2019
Desi Twitter lauded her passion and energy and declared her “Fan of the Match”.
https://twitter.com/semperfiutd/status/1146029923066249222
Who’s the star of today #IndvBan match? Not @ImRo45, not @imVkohli but this young lady. How’s the josh? What an inspiration !! pic.twitter.com/Ay9wT9uyv5
— Ishan Sankhe (@IshanSankhe) July 2, 2019
I don’t know about the Man of the Match, but we have an undisputed winner of the Fan of the Match 🙌💖 #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/DSqQZkn3bS
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) July 2, 2019
❤️❤️ Aunty won the match 🙏🏼#SpiritOfCricket #INDvsBAN #india pic.twitter.com/db1ZGNYkOA
— Suruchilodha (@Spellingmitsake) July 2, 2019
Pic of the day..🙏🙏🙏#Indvsban pic.twitter.com/cwkXiPodXJ
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) July 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/AdiiiTea/status/1146029730249863168
Team India has already qualified for the semifinals along with Australia and with Charulata Patel Ji’s support, Sri Lanka better watch out!