Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century helped Team India post a stiff total of 314/9 against Bangladesh at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, ultimately aiding the Men in Blue’s progress to the semifinals of the ICC World Cup 2019.
This was Sharma’s 4th century in the ongoing World Cup, a record that he now shares with Sri Lanka’s maestro Kumar Sangakkara. Moreover, he also overtook David Warner as this tournament’s highest run-getter. Unsurprisingly, the 32-year-old was adjudged as the Man of the Match.
However, apart from him, there were one more award that was announced after the game. Not by the ICC but by the Twitterati – The Fan of the Match!
And it was none other than the 87-year-young Charulata Patel who won it. There are some moments in a cricket match which, having witnessed once, you realise will become viral on the internet. This was certainly one of those.
Also Read | Fans react as India beat Bangladesh to enter Semi Finals
It all happened when during India’s innings, a mindful cameraman captured a picture of an elderly Indian fan blowing a horn with enthusiasm. The visuals left the commentators amazed, with Harsha Bhogle requesting the broadcasting team to again capture her. And the same zeal was there.
Naturally, the Twitterati went gaga over Patel’s spirit and enthusiasm for the game. The lady had an exclusive interview with the game’s official broadcaster Star Sports after the match. Moreover, Indian skipper Virat Kohli too seeked her blessings after the win over Bangladesh.
Cricket really is for all ages!
Meet the #TeamIndia fan whose support is simply sensational ?? #BANvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/4TaXCvSgzr
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
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“I love this Indian team and all the players are like my kids,” Patel said in an interview.
“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 believer 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 told ANI.
Twitter was flooded with heart-warming tweets about the new “Fan of the Match”. While while stunned fans saluted Charulata Patel’s immense love for the game, others like business tycoon Anand Mahindra offered sponsorship to her.
Here are some of the best Tweets:
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
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
दादियों का जमाना चल रहा है बेटे । जीत की बहुत बहुत बधाई
— Dadi Chandro Tomar (@realshooterdadi) July 2, 2019
Even at the age of 87,the enthusiasm for cricket is at its highest pe?❤?#CharulataPatel pic.twitter.com/w5AbuU6Ou7
— Sonu Tiwari (@tsonu1616) July 3, 2019
#CharulataPatel India won the match and 87-year-old Charulata Patel Mata won the hearts of Indians Hats off to mother Jeezbe, at the age when the body gets reduced to the bunk, there is less love for cricket, the best pictures of today pic.twitter.com/jcdA5oh1nx
— Arun Chahal (@arunchahal6) July 3, 2019
#CharulataPatel …She's your Masi, she's my Masi, she's EVERYONE'S Masi! ? #TeamIndia#BANvIND #CWC19 https://t.co/R0VxHqHSvu
— Wandering Rooh (@wanderingrooh) July 2, 2019
Dear @ICC, please get Ms. #CharulataPatel a free VIP pass for the semis and (If India qualify) for the finals! #CWC19
— Manish Batavia (@manishbatavia) July 2, 2019
What a spirit and that too at an age where people give up on things!! So good to see #CharulataPatel trully makes me feel happy and is an inspiration to many!!87 and strong!! https://t.co/4mxwK4QEdc
— Aparna Subramanyam (@drapy88) July 3, 2019
How interesting and heart-warming moment it would be to watch her lifting the cup with the men in blue.
With strike rate (of passion) @1000% yesterday, this charming lady proved that age is just a number
Way to go #charulatapatel#cwc2019 pic.twitter.com/37W9sKdi8f— Tripti Jain (@triptijain0511) July 3, 2019
Aunty at 87 has such a positive and energetic vibe, whilst I sit with a neck pillow, ranting about my day. I’m 27, literally 60 years younger ? #CharuLataPatel
— Tamanna Wahi (@tamannaW) July 2, 2019
#CharulataPatel 87 year old woman is a legendary fan of team India…. now, we all Indians are fan of this women??
— MANAS Pant (@MANASPant12) July 3, 2019
I think @imVkohli or the @BCCI should give #CharulataPatel complimentary passes for the India Semis match #WorldCup2019 & finals if we make it
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 3, 2019
This video made my day. #CharulataPatel … Love and respect…. what a fan…. https://t.co/PF6c5LIIJF
— Abhijeet Deshpande (@thatsabhijeet) July 3, 2019
Enthusiasm has no age bar.#CharulataPatel , 87 year old cricket fan beats all the youngsters with her passion & enthusiasm at Edgbaston while cheering for India's victory on Bangladesh.@BCCI @imVkohli#INDvsBAN #ICCWorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/oOBXC7sOBj
— Jyotsna Srivastava (@jyotsnasriv94) July 3, 2019
Look at this frame!It has captured a story!Thats what photography is all about!How much contented charulata ji is & kohli feels so much blessed!Those eyes and that smile! It is an instant bond! It happens rarely but when it does its pure and magical ❤️ #INDvBAN #CharulataPatel pic.twitter.com/rhhcBa4AkU
— Priyanka patel (@Priya_sports) July 3, 2019
Precious would be an understatement.✨ #CharulataPatel pic.twitter.com/Vbx7cXAq7K
— अंतिम पंक्ति का कार्यकर्ता Charly nsui(Roy)?? (@nsui_charly) July 3, 2019
