Team India's superfan Charulata Patel, 87, passes away

One of the most passionate faces seen cheering her lungs out for the Indian cricket team during the ICC World Cup last year, Charulata Patel, passed away on Thursday (January 16).

The news of Men In Blue’s biggest fan’s demise was shared by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) on their official Twitter handle through a heartfelt 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,” the BCCI tweeted.

#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

The 87-year-old, during the marquee event, had just one wish to meet skipper Virat Kohli.

Kohli, on meeting Charulata, penned a special message for her and called her one of the most dedicated fans of the team.

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

“Dear Charulata ji, it is so inspiring to see your love and passion for our team and I hope you enjoy the games with your family,” the captain wrote.

Also read: World cup: When Rohit healed, Virat hugged and India won more than a match

“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,” he tweeted.

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

While speaking to ANI during a league match, she expressed that she has been watching cricket for the last many decades and has been a fan ever since. She also added that when Kapil Dev and his team lifted the World Cup for India for the first time in 1983 she was one of the spectators.

Also read: World Cup: Octogenarian fan says Virat Kohli promised match tickets

You've got to love this passion!#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/v1BHcWB7Lx

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 2, 2019