Touchdown in Delhi:

On a dreary New Delhi morning, following the arrival of Team India, Indira Gandhi International Airport is buzzing. After a long and challenging journey, ICC T20 World Cup 2024 champion, Team India finally made it back home. The final match between South Africa and India was held at Kensington Oval in Barbados where Rohit Sharma captained his side to secure the title after defeating their rivals with seven runs. Since 2013, Team India had never won any ICC title which ended a 11 years drought of major international trophies.

Stranded in Barbados:

The journey back was tough as the team had delays. Due to Hurricane Beryl, a category four hurricane that had disrupted flight operations and forced the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados for an indefinite period of time, the Indian team was unable to return home for three days. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) facilitated their special charter flight known as Air India Champions 24 World Cup (AIC24WC) which brought back all team members of Team India including support staff, player’s families , board officials as well as Indian media personnel to Delhi.

Grand Reception at the Airport:

When they came out from the airport, there were many screaming supporters who waved their national flags while holding banners congratulating Team India everywhere. Despite the drizzle, hundreds of supporters were present to welcome their heroes. Chants of “India, India” were in the air filled with so much excitement that everyone felt pulse rising because it was like being on cloud nine even when rain drops were pouring down at times. The team members acknowledged the fans with smiles, waving hands.

Travelling with the prestigious 🏆 on the way back home! 😍

🎥 WATCH: #TeamIndia were in excellent company during their memorable travel day ✈️👌 - By @RajalArora #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0ivb9m9Zp1
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

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Celebrations at ITC Maurya:

Following the great reception that awaited them on arrival from the airport, they proceeded to ITC Maurya where a special cake was waiting for them. The cricketers first cut this cake to commemorate their victory before they engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was an important breakfast meet with the Prime Minister as it showcased the national pride in their accomplishments.

Meeting the Prime Minister:

At 10 a.m., Rohit Sharma and his victorious team arrived at the Prime Minister’s office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly congratulated the team, commending their historic win and lauding their determination and teamwork. He highlighted how the victory was a moment of immense pride for the entire nation and encouraged the players to maintain their dedication and continue to excel in the sport.

Roadshow and Felicitation in Mumbai:

Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, the team India headed to Mumbai for the next phase of the celebrations. The highlight of the day was an elaborate roadshow from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium. Thousands of enthusiastic fans lined the streets, cheering and waving as the open-top bus carrying the players and the glittering World Cup trophy made its way through the city. The atmosphere was festive, with the bus adorned with posters of the players, adding to the carnival-like vibe.

The parade concluded at Wankhede Stadium, where a special felicitation ceremony was held. The event saw the presence of former cricket legends, BCCI officials, and several dignitaries. The players were honored for their exceptional performance, with the stadium resonating with cheers and applause as the team ascended the stage with the trophy.

Reflecting on the Victory:

The T20 World Cup 2024 triumph was a testament to the resilience and skill of the Indian team. The final match against South Africa was a thrilling rollercoaster, with India defending a target of 176 runs. Crucial performances by Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah played a significant role in securing the victory. This win not only ended a long drought of ICC titles for India but also set a promising tone for future successes.

Conclusion:

Amid the celebrations, the team India is already focusing on upcoming challenges. The next major event on their radar is the ICC Champions Trophy. This tournament presents another golden opportunity for the Men in Blue to showcase their prowess on the global stage. The team, buoyed by their recent success, is determined to continue their winning momentum and bring more glory to the nation.

For now, India basks in the joy of being the T20 World Cup champions. The return of Team India has indeed sparked a wave of national pride, unity, and an undying love for cricket, making the victory celebrations a memorable event for the entire country.