T20 WC: We can never forget what Prafull Billore did for his nation & helped India beat South Africa

India displayed a resilient performance to clinch victory over South Africa in the thrilling final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Setting a target of 177, India's skipper Rohit Sharma’s early departure seemed to boost South Africa's morale. However, a determined Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with a stellar 76 off 59 balls. In response, South Africa fell short by 7 runs despite a valiant innings by Heinrich Klaasen. Player of the Match, Kohli's exceptional batting combined with Bumrah's impactful bowling sealed India's triumph, ending a long wait for the prestigious title. 

Also Read: 'This is my last game as well... ': What Rohit Sharma said while announcing retirement from T20Is

Prafull Billore: The Unlikely Hero Behind India's T20 World Cup Triumph

A thrilling Saturday in Barbados saw Team India defeat South Africa to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Although the players' efforts were obviously vital, internet users brought to light a surprising player who was instrumental in India's triumph: Prafull Billore. Known by most as MBA Chaiwala, Billore is credited with using his "reverse superpowers" to help India win their first T20 World Cup in eleven years. Unexpectedly becoming a hero was the mysterious businessman well-known for his 'Panauti' (bad luck) meme phenomenon.

Do you know who Prafull Billore is?

From Madhya Pradesh, Prafull Billore started his adventure with a little Rs 8,000 investment to open a chai stand called "Chai Wala." Clients were drawn to his English-speaking kiosk outside the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. Though Billore briefly attended Ahmedabad University before leaving to concentrate on his tea business, his aim was to study at IIM Ahmedabad after failing the CAT exam.

Renaming it MBA Chaiwala (Mr. Billore Ahmedabad Chaiwala), Billore turned his business into a successful franchise. Even so, he gained notoriety online for an odd reason: he was dubbed "Panauti" because of his alleged bad luck.

'Panauti' craze

Prafull Billore's social media persona as 'Panauti' started following a number of instances in which his interactions with cricket players appeared to be linked to their underperforming results. Billore shared a selfie with Suryakumar Yadav on June 21, 2024. Yadav thereafter scored just six runs in the T20 encounter against Bangladesh that followed. Further bolstering the "bad luck" story was Mohammed Shami's exclusion from the IPL 2024 after posting a selfie with the Indian bowler earlier in February.

'Panauti' Makeover

Rather than running from the 'Panauti' moniker, Billore welcomed it, making the criticism a lighthearted and encouraging movement. He started sending guys on other teams altered pictures of himself. Posting edited selfies with Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer before the semi-final against England, Billore. India shockingly won the match by 68 runs, which increased his social media following.

Billore carried on his shenanigans in the run-up to the World Cup final versus South Africa by sharing modified images of the team with the hashtag #Istandwithsouthafrica. Billore's story of "reverse superpowers" was solidified when India won the final by seven runs, and the squad praised him as a lucky charm.

Social Media Buzz

Not that Billore's unusual backing was ignored. "I thought to share this after the match, but I can't wait any more," one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote in thanks. We appreciate you supporting India and putting up endless effort to see them through with your reverse abilities." Many others shared this feeling as they praised Billore's special role in India's historic victory.

Prafull Billore's story is proof positive that accepting one's eccentricities and transforming negativity into optimism can have happy and unexpected results. Inspiring and fascinating, his story of rising from a tiny chai stand to become an internet phenomenon and a symbolic hero in India's T20 World Cup victory.