Doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, the passion and love for the game of cricket knows no limits in the country. Same was the case of Charulata Patel, the 87 year old ‘young’ lady who was an avid supporter of Team India, has unfortunately breathed her last on 13th January. To pay tribute to the evergreen supporter, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken it to social media, and the accolade will touch your heart.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Charulata Patel’s official Instagram account @cricket.daadi, which is managed by her grandchildren.
Charulata Patel was all over the news during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The elderly ‘Superdadi’ was present in the stands of the quarter final of India’s face off against Bangladesh, where Virat Kohli and the squad won the match by 28 runs.
On their official Twitter handle, BCCI tweeted an image of Patel ji with Virat Kohli, while they met each other after the match. The photo was captioned with a heart touching message:
“#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.”
#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
Following the Men in Blues’ victory at Edgbaston, Patel met Kohli, and the two was seen exchanging greetings before the old lady gave her blessings to the Indian skipper and Rohit Sharma. Check out the heartwarming event in the video below, courtesy of the official Twitter account of the ICC Cricket World Cups.
How amazing is this?!
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
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
A resident of England, Charulata Patel was born to Indian parents on 1st May, 1932 in Tanzania. However, her ties to India was never suppressed. She was also present at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 1983 whrn India lifted their first Cricket World Cup trophy.
Patel Ji was also featured in a video, where she expressed her love for the cricketers and the sport of cricket, and was seen blowing vuvuzelas and donning the tricolor just like any young Indian fan.
“I am 87. I like India too much. They are my kids, my own kids.” Patel Ji said in the video. Check it out below-
You've got to love this passion!#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/v1BHcWB7Lx
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019
After his meeting with Patel Ji, Kohli made sure such a dedicated and loving fan should get the attention she deserves, and took it to Twitter to express his gratutide, along with some photos.
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
Following the heartbreaking news, India’s superstar batsman Shikhar Dhawan expressed his sorrow and gratitude towards the old woman.
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
The International Cricket Counci (ICC) also made their tributes to Patel Ji.
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
Rohit Sharma, who had an amazing World Cup, was also framed together with the old supporter, and the Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians tweeted the photo with a touching message.
RIP, Charulata Patel ji 🙏🏻
Her passion for the game will always be admired.#OneFamily pic.twitter.com/UU0jYl7aqw
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 16, 2020
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