World Cup-winning Indian team at PM Modi's residence in New Delhi

New Delhi: The T20 World Cup winning Indian team has arrived at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi. The PM will soon meet the players to congratulate them on their great victory.

The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team returned triumphantly to their homeland on Thursday, arriving aboard a specially-arranged Air India charter flight amidst enthusiastic cheers from scores of fans at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Despite a persistent drizzle and stringent security measures, supporters gathered in large numbers, waving national flags and holding up congratulatory placards for their victorious heroes.

India clinched the T20 World Cup title with a thrilling victory over South Africa in the final held in Bridgetown, securing a seven-run win that sparked jubilation across the nation. For many fans, this triumph marked a culmination of a 13-year wait since India's previous World Cup victory in 2011.

Following their championship win, the team faced a delay in their return journey due to Hurricane Beryl's impact in Barbados, where they were confined to their hotel until arrangements were made for their departure on the special charter flight, named AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup). The flight, departing Barbados at 4:50 AM local time, arrived in Delhi at 6 AM (IST) after a non-stop 16-hour journey, carrying the Indian squad, support staff, players' families, BCCI officials, and media personnel.

At the airport, heavy security measures were implemented to manage the crowd, although it did little to diminish the excitement among fans who cheered passionately for star players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid. After completing immigration formalities, the players emerged one by one, acknowledging the fans with waves and smiles of gratitude.

Suryakumar Yadav, celebrated for his match-winning catch in the final, responded with particular enthusiasm to the cheering crowd, while Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj expressed their appreciation in their own ways. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both retiring from T20Is after the tournament, were among the last to disembark, proudly displaying the World Cup trophy to the roaring crowd.

After their reception at Modi’s residence in Delhi, the team will head to Mumbai. There, they will participate in an open bus victory parade followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, a momentous occasion reminiscent of celebrations after previous cricketing triumphs in India's sporting history.

BCCI officials, including secretary Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma, encouraged fans via social media to join in celebrating the team's success, underscoring the significance of this victory for Indian cricket. For Rohit Sharma, a Mumbai native and beloved figure, the homecoming promises to be a poignant and memorable event, echoing past celebrations such as the 2007 World T20 victory over Pakistan that captivated the city.

India's T20 World Cup victory not only reaffirms their cricketing prowess but also ignites national pride and excitement, uniting fans across the country in celebration of their team's achievement on the global stage. PTI