India’s triumphant men’s cricket team has touched down on home soil, bringing back the prestigious T20 World Cup trophy after 17 years. The team, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning, greeted by a large crowd of passionate fans eager to celebrate their victory.
Despite the early hour and some light rain, fans were out in force at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, waving flags and holding signs to show their support for the champions. Their excitement was a testament to the importance of this win, marking India’s second T20 World Cup title and their fourth overall World Cup victory. The team secured their historic win with a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the finals.
Also Read: BCCI to celebrate T20 World Cup win with Rohit Sharma and Co in open-bus parade
The journey home wasn’t without its challenges. Hurricane Beryl caused delays in Barbados, but the team persevered and finally arrived on a special chartered Air India flight aptly named “Air India Champions 24 World Cup” (AIC24WC). The flight carried not only the players but also the support staff, board officials, and media representatives.
The celebrations officially began upon arrival in Delhi. At the ITC Maurya hotel, the team, including head coach Rahul Dravid, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, and star player Virat Kohli, came together for a special cake-cutting ceremony, a sweet start to their homecoming festivities.
Jubilation in the air 🥳
The #T20WorldCup Champions have arrived in New Delhi! 🛬
Presenting raw emotions of Captain @ImRo45 -led #TeamIndia's arrival filled with celebrations đź‘Źđź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/EYrpJehjzj
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024
But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Videos emerged of the team receiving an energetic welcome at their hotel entrance. A dance troupe set the mood, and even the usually stoic Captain Rohit Sharma couldn’t resist a few dance moves. The ever-agile Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya also showcased some impressive moves, with Yadav even breaking into some celebratory bhangra steps. Virat Kohli, the hero of the finals with his match-winning knock, watched the revelry with a smile, clearly enjoying the joyous atmosphere.
The celebrations are just beginning for the team. Their schedule includes a much-anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by a victory parade in Mumbai. The parade will take place along Mumbai’s scenic Marine Drive, allowing fans to line the streets and cheer on their champions as they make their way from Nariman Point to the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
This victory is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and resilience. The team battled through a challenging tournament and faced the unexpected delay caused by the hurricane. Their perseverance and their thrilling win have brought immense joy to the entire nation. As they continue their homecoming celebrations, India will be basking in the glory of their T20 World Cup victory.
