From New Delhi to Mumbai: T20 Champs receive hero's welcome

Mumbai: A vast crowd gathered along South Mumbai's Marine Drive to celebrate the victory parade of India's T20 World Cup-winning team, bringing traffic to a standstill as thousands of passionate fans clamoured for a glimpse of their favourite stars.

The two-hour open bus parade, originally scheduled for 7:30 pm, commenced from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point, but was delayed by two hours, concluding at Wankhede Stadium.

Normally a five-minute journey, the parade extended to over an hour as players savoured the evening amidst adoration from their devoted fans, rather than rainfall.

Rohit Sharma, the youngest member of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 2007 squad at the age of 37, led the T20 World Champion Indian cricket team on the victory parade, evoking a sense of déjà vu. The now-retired Indian T20 skipper, the team's senior member, has remained a constant presence over the past fifteen years despite changing faces.

As the bus traversed the sea of humanity, memories must have flooded Sharma's mind back to a similarly rain-soaked September morning in 2007.

Echoes of "Mumbaicha Raja Kaun? Rohit Sharma" resonated throughout the streets.

"This crowd reflects the same desperation we had to win, which the fans shared," remarked Rohit addressing fans inside the stadium. "The victory has brought smiles to millions. This team is special, and this trophy belongs to the nation."

Hardik Pandya, after a stellar T20 World Cup campaign, embraced organic acceptance, lifting the trophy first to show fans. Once jeered as a 'Mumbai Indian,' he became the celebrated 'Indian' in Mumbai. The 'Maximum City' was prepared to shower 'Maximum Love' on the colourful 'Baroda Bomber,' who has made Mumbai his home.

Seeking validation and unconditional love, Pandya found the embrace of Mumbaikars.

Perhaps those raindrops were Mumbai's collective apology for past indifference towards Pandya.

Players soaked in the frenzy and national euphoria, beloved by a nation that cherishes cricketers more than the sport itself.

Many eagerly awaited a glimpse of Virat Kohli.

'Bekararon ki Dawa Ek Nazar, Ek Nazar', penned Majrooh Sultanpuri for those who journeyed from Virar to Thane just to experience the moment.

The King did not disappoint, pulling the skipper alongside Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel to dance to the beats of Nashik Dholwalas at Wankhede.

Earlier, the Indian team departed New Delhi at 3:42 pm following a breakfast meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi, arriving from Barbados in the early morning hours.

At Wankhede Stadium, gates opened to fans who swiftly filled the stands to celebrate the team's triumph.

Upon landing, their aircraft received a traditional 'Water Salute' at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport's Terminal 2.

Exiting the airport, players were greeted by a sea of fans and media, enduring hours of waiting.

Meanwhile, amidst intermittent rain, high humidity, and chaotic conditions, thousands remained seated without provisions for food and water.

The DJ entertained fans with a variety of music genres, transforming Wankhede into what felt like a rain-dance party with stadium speakers blaring Vengaboys' 'To Brazil' and the country's unofficial sports anthem "Chak de India."

Wankhede reverberated with chants of ‘Sachin… Sachin' followed by ‘Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma!' and ‘India… India'.

PTI