Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - Bangladesh v India - Edgbaston, Birmingham, Britain - July 2, 2019 India's Virat Kohli meets India fan, Charu Latta Patel, at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - Bangladesh v India - Edgbaston, Birmingham, Britain - July 2, 2019 India's Virat Kohli meets India fan, Charu Latta Patel, at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - Bangladesh v India - Edgbaston, Birmingham, Britain - July 2, 2019 India's Virat Kohli meets India fan, Charu Latta Patel, at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Cricket - ICC Cricket World Cup - Bangladesh v India - Edgbaston, Birmingham, Britain - July 2, 2019 India's Virat Kohli meets India fan, Charu Latta Patel, at the end of the match Action Images via R

Cricket World Cup: Virat Kohli meets 87-year-old India superfan Charulata Patel


Ian Oxborrow
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It's become one of the pictures of this year's Cricket World Cup.

Amid the fervour in the stands during India's match against Bangladesh was 87-year-old superfan Charulata Patel.

And on Tuesday she became the centre of attention for none other than India captain Virat Kohli after his side's 28-run victory.

After heading straight over to her as the players left the pitch at Edgbaston, Kohli said on Twitter that she was "one of the most passionate and dedicated fans "I've ever seen".

She was also joined on the sidelines by batsman Rohit Sharma, who received some words of wisdom in a special moment.

Sharma hit a second hundred in three days at the Birmingham ground, as Bangladesh's hopes of reaching the semi-final were dashed.

He struck 104 off 92 balls and put on an opening stand of 180 with KL Rahul, who scored 77.

He was also seen presenting a young fan with an autographed hat after she was hit by one of the opener's sixes during his century.

The girl, Meena, was hit in the face by the ball when the supporter in front of her failed to catch it.

India can still win the group as they now head to Leeds for their final group game against Sri Lanka in Leeds on Saturday.

Meanwhile, India fans were quick to praise Charulata for her enthusiasm and support, with calls on social media for her to be named "fan of the match", while others said they hoped to still be attending cricket matches in their 80s.

Television cameras had spotted her blowing a vuvuzela in celebration of the many India boundaries during the match.

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Rihanna goes through full range of emotions as West Indies lose

  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Action Images via Reuters
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Action Images via Reuters
  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Getty Images
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Getty Images
  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Getty Images
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. Getty Images
  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. PA Wire
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. PA Wire
  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. PA Wire
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. PA Wire
  • Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. AP Photo
    Rihanna in the stands during the match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Emirates Riverside, Chester-Le-Street. AP Photo
  • Rihanna during the match. Action Images via Reuters
    Rihanna during the match. Action Images via Reuters
  • Rihanna during the match. Action Images via Reuters
    Rihanna during the match. Action Images via Reuters