Edgbaston was in for a mouth-watering clash as India and Bangladesh locked horns in the race for a semifinal berth on Tuesday. However, someone else stole the limelight in Edgbaston- an enthusiastic fan named Charulatha Patel.
While Rishabh Pant and M.S Dhoni kept fans and photographers busy, the cameras kept panning back to the 87-year-old, enthusiastically blowing her trumpet, cheering for the men in blue.
Virat Kohli's side soon found itself in a spot of bother after Shakib and Co. did well to contain the run flow in the final overs of the Indian innings. Charulatha, however, was optimistic.
"India will win, definitely," she said.
The octogenarian's prediction came true as India won by 28 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli and opening batsman Rohit Sharma walked up to her to show their gratitude.
Kohli tweeted after the win: "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. "
Donning a tricolour scarf, and with a bright yellow vuvuzela and a flag in hand, Charulatha was spotted celebrating every run. So much, that it caught the attention of Sourav Ganguly in the commentary box. The former captain helped identify the fan for those watching the game.
"When Kapil paaji won the World Cup in 1983, I was there as well," she told ANI .
"Whenever Indian cricketers come over (to England) to play, I pray for them. I am a big believe 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 added.
Move aside, praying aunty (think IPL). We have a new celebrity fan in town.
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