The victorious Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, received a hero’s welcome upon their arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. They touched down early morning aboard an Air India flight, marking the culmination of their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.
Amidst cheers and waving national flags, the team emerged from the airport around 7:00 am, with Rohit Sharma proudly displaying the T20 World Cup trophy. Fans, who had gathered since the early hours, expressed their joy and pride, celebrating Bharat’s first World Cup win since 2011.
“We’ve waited 13 years for this moment. The team has made us immensely proud,” remarked a fan who had been present since 4:30 am.
Following their arrival, the team proceeded to the ITC Maurya Hotel in Chanakyapuri, where they were greeted with another warm reception. A specially designed cake, adorned in the team’s colours, awaited the champions.
The journey back home wasn’t without its challenges, as the team had been stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. However, a special flight arranged by Air India ensured their safe return to India.
The victorious team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi at 11 am as the Premiere hosted a special breakfast for them. The PM listened to the experience of the Indian players in the memorable World Cup campaign in the Caribbean. PM Modi was among the first ones to congratulate the team after India defeated South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.
Subsequently, they are scheduled to head to Mumbai for a celebratory open-top bus parade, commencing at 5 pm from the National Centre for Performing Arts or NCPA through Marine Drive, concluding at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
“This victory belongs to all of us,” posted captain Rohit Sharma, inviting fans to join the celebrations.
The evening will culminate in a felicitation event at Wankhede Stadium, echoing memories of India’s triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup, led by MS Dhoni.
India secured a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the final, marking a historic moment in Indian cricket history.
