An octogenarian fan stole the limelight with her sheer enthusiasm during India’s World Cup match against B’desh at Edgbaston on Tuesday, forcing skipper Virat Kohli to personally thank her after the 28-run win which sealed their semis berth. Charulatha Patel, 87, attracted all the cameras as she enthusiastically blew her trumpet, cheering for Kohli and his men from the stands.Not only Kohli, his deputy and player-of-the-match Rohit also personally thanked the aged lady and showed his gratitude after India’s win.
Wearing a tricolour scarf and with a bright yellow vuvuzela and the national flag in hand, Patel was spotted celebrating every moment of India’s win.
Kohli later took to Twitter to show his gratitude for Patel and other Indian fans. “Also would like to thank all our fans for all the love & support & especially 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 tweeted. She has also been promised tickets for her favourite team’s remaining matches by none other than captain.“Virat came to meet me after the match. He touched my feet and I gave him my blessings. I told him to keep up the good work and win the WC. I always pray for the team’s success. From the bottom of my heart, I wish the Indian team all the best,” Patel told Times Now.
“Virat said he would look forward to see me in the rest of the matches. I told him that I don’t have the tickets, he said: ‘Don’t worry about it, I will give it to you’,” Patel said, who came from London. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has also offered to “reimburse her ticket cost” if someone helps in identifying her.