Team India's 87-year-old fan steals the limelight at World Cup
Charulatha was first identified by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was doing the commentary for the official broadcasters of the tournament.
Charulatha was first identified by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was doing the commentary for the official broadcasters of the tournament.
Charulatha was first identified by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was doing the commentary for the official broadcasters of the tournament.
Birmingham: An 87-year-old Indian fan Charulata Patel became a sensation on social media after she was seen cheering for Team India during their World Cup clash against Bangladesh, here on Tuesday.
Wearing a tricolour scarf and with a bright yellow vuvuzela and the national flag in hand, Charulata was spotted celebrating every moment of India's win.
She was first identified by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who was doing the commentary for the official broadcasters of the tournament.
She said that she is a big fan of Indian team and was there in the stadium when India lifted their first World Cup, back in 1983, under Kapil Dev's captaincy. Charulata told ANI that she is a very religious person and stressed that India is going to win the ongoing World Cup.
Charulata revealed that she has been watching the game for decades. "I have been watching cricket for decades. When I was in Africa, I used to watch it, then I came to this country in 1975. Here I had work because of which I did not get time to watch but I used to watch it on TV. But nowadays as I am not working, so I have the interest and I am very lucky that I get chance to watch cricket," she said.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared her picture on his Instagram and even went on to call the picture his 'picture of the World Cup'.
After the win against Bangladesh, Indian captain Virat Kohli took to his social handle and had an inspiring and motivational message for his fans.
"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," read his post.