Watch: Kohli meets 87-year-old fan in a heart-warming way
What's the story
When India was thrashing Bangladesh in yesterday's World Cup 2019 match at Edgbaston, there was one fan in the entire crowd who caught everyone's attention, even commentator Sourav Ganguly's.
The former Indian captain helped others identify the fan as Charulata Patel, a 87-year-old woman, who was later greeted by captain and vice-captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, respectively.
Kohli even tweeted about her.
Twitter Post
When Kohli shared a special moment with a special fan
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
Gratitude
Would like to thank all especially Charulata Patel ji: Kohli
"Would like to thank all our fans 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," Kohli wrote.
The octogenarian was seen blowing the vuvuzela every time India took a wicket or hit a boundary.
Twitter Post
"Age just a number, passion takes you leaps & bounds"
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
Reaction
It's the picture of the World Cup for me: Vaughan
And that infectious enthusiasm was what attracted everyone to her.
England ex-captain Michael Vaughan summarized, "It's the picture of the World Cup for me."
While talking to media, she said that she has "been watching cricket for the last many decades, from the time I was in Africa."
Earlier she watched it on TV, "But now that I am retired I watch it live."
Twitter Post
Watch how Charulata blew the horn to celebrate India's milestones
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
Media
"When Kapil paaji won the World Cup, I was there"
Patel, seen wearing a saree, a sweater and a shawl, her cheeks painted in the tricolor, informed that she was there even when Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup in 1983 for the first time for India.
"When Kapil paaji won the World Cup, I was there. India will win the world cup I am sure. I bless the players always," she added.
Feelings
All the players are like my kids, she expresses love
"Whenever Indian cricketers come over (to England) to play, I pray for them. I bless the players and the team always, I hope they take care, do well and give us a chance to win. I pray to Lord Ganesha that India wins," she added.
Expressing her love, she said, "I love this Indian team and all the players are like my kids."
Twitter Post
Cricket really is for all ages!
Cricket really is for all ages!
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
Meet the #TeamIndia fan whose support is simply sensational 👏👏 #BANvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/4TaXCvSgzr
Social media
"Should work entire life to have a spirit like hers"
Patel's fervor made news off the field as well.
Journalist Mazher Arshad noted, "Charulata was born 43 years before the first World Cup."
Actor Boman Irani said, "We should work all our lives to have a spirit like hers."
Industrialist Anand Mahindra tweeted, "Find out who she is & I promise I will reimburse her ticket costs for the rest of the India matches!"
Information
India has booked semis berth, will face Sri Lanka next
Coming to India's chances at the World Cup, after yesterday's win, we have booked a berth in the semis. After Australia, India is the second team to achieve this. In their next match on July 6, India will come face to face against Sri Lanka.