Superfan Charulata Patel no more, cricket fraternity pays emotional tribute

The India National Cricket team lost one of its youngest superfans as Charulata Patel passed away on January 13. She was 87. The awe-inspiring wheelchair-bound ‘Super Daadi’ (as she was popularly known) showcased the spirit of the game after she was seen cheering enthusiastically for India during 2019 World Cup.

The unfortunate news was confirmed by Charulata Patel’s Instagram handle, cricket.daadi.

The post on cricket.daadi read:

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you, our beautiful grandmother took her final breath on 13/01 at 5.30 pm. She was such a sweet little lady, it’s true ‘small things come in small packages’ our Dadi was a delight, she was/is truly extraordinary. She was our world. I want to thank you all for making her feel special last year, she loved the attention. A big thank you to @virat.kohli you made her feel extra special, meeting you and @rohitsharma45 was the best day of her life (she told us this on multiple occasions). May Lord Shiva bless her atman always, please all say a prayer.”

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It is with a heavy heart that I inform you, our beautiful grandmother took her final breath on 13/01 at 5.30pm. She was such a sweet little lady, it's true 'small things come in small packages' our Dadi was a delight, she was/is truly extraordinary. She was our world. I want to thank you all for making her feel special last year, she loved the attention. A big thank you to @virat.kohli you made her feel extra special, meeting you and @rohitsharma45 was the best day of her life (she told us this on multiple occasions). May Lord Shiva bless her atman always, please all say a prayer. ❤

A post shared by Charulata Patel |Cricket Daadi (@cricket.daadi) on Jan 14, 2020 at 5:26am PST

Soon after, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to Patel on its social media handles.

“#TeamIndia’s Superfan Charulata Patel ji will always remain in our hearts and her passion for the game will keep motivating us. May her soul rest in peace,” the BCCI posted.

#TeamIndia's Superfan Charulata Patel ji will always remain in our hearts and her passion for the game will keep motivating us.

May her soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/WUTQPWCpJR

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 16, 2020

Charulata Patel came in the spotlight during the India versus Bangladesh game at the World Cup in Edgbaston last year when a mindful cameraman captured a picture of an elderly Indian fan blowing a horn with enthusiasm, tri-colour painted on her face.

The visuals left the commentators amazed, with Harsha Bhogle requesting the broadcasting team to again capture her. And the same zeal was present 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 sought her blessings after the win over Bangladesh.

In fact, the image of Kohli on his knees with Patel became one of the most iconic snaps of the World Cup campaign.

Here’s how the cricket fraternity paid tribute to the ‘Super Daadi’:

We are sad to learn about the passing of Charulata Patel ji, the adorable 87-year old fan who cheered for ?? through last year's #CWC in England. She left for her heavenly abode this Monday.

May her soul rest in peace? pic.twitter.com/4rpI0Y97Hq

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 16, 2020

RIP to one of Team India’s biggest fans Charulata Patel.

We will forever support your beloved #TeamIndia with as much pride and passion as you did. ?? #COTI ?? pic.twitter.com/wVwMKfUep7

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) January 15, 2020

RIP, Charulata Patel ji ??

Her passion for the game will always be admired.#OneFamily pic.twitter.com/UU0jYl7aqw

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 16, 2020

Fans are at the heart of a team, and Charulata Patel ji's passion will always be an inspiration for #TeamIndia.

May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/NJkD2aYsFZ

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) January 16, 2020

RIP Charulata Patel Ji ?.. Will always remember your passion for the game. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. ❤ https://t.co/cagXV0ghW4

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 16, 2020

Charulata Patel, always in our hearts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nNZ9GRDMmF

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 16, 2020

Cricket is getting popular day by day because of such fans Heartfelt condolences to the family members of Charulata patel https://t.co/nWuv4S42s7

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) January 16, 2020

Cricket is getting popular day by day because of such fans Heartfelt condolences to the family members of Charulata patel https://t.co/nWuv4S42s7

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) January 16, 2020

R.I.P Charulata Patel ji, the 87-year-old superfan who cheered India on at #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/waw6ux9wxK

— ICC (@ICC) January 16, 2020