India (Commonwealth Union)_ Team India made a triumphant visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi following their resounding victory in the T20 World Cup. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team gathered for a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg. During the hour-long session, PM Modi extended his congratulations to team India for their T20 World Cup win. The team had previously been welcomed with enthusiasm at the ITC Maurya hotel, where they were greeted with a celebratory reception. At the hotel, Captain Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli were seen cutting a specially prepared cake by the hotel’s chef.
Also read: India bags Commonwealth Short Story Prize
According to reports, PM Modi encouraged the team to maintain their winning momentum, expressing confidence that their recent triumph in Barbados would serve as motivation for future tournaments. In a video capturing the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared jovial moments with the players of the Indian cricket team, reminiscing about their journey through the World Cup. Head coach Rahul Dravid also addressed the gathering, with players seated alongside the Prime Minister. Throughout the video, PM Modi’s smile conveyed his enjoyment of the players’ stories. Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya also contributed to the discussions during the meeting. The breakfast meeting was also attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny alongside the Indian cricket team.
Also read: Malaysia proposes `Lemon Law’
Following their visit, the Indian team departed from the Prime Minister’s residence and reached New Delhi airport, where they boarded a flight to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade. The Men in Blue appeared in customized India jerseys with ‘Champions’ emblem when they met PM Modi. During the special breakfast hosted by PM Modi, he listened attentively to the team’s experiences during their journey through the USA and the Caribbean. India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the finals at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
India’s T20 World Cup heroes received an enthusiastic welcome upon their return home on Thursday. The team, accompanied by support staff and approximately twenty members of the media, reached New Delhi airport aboard a special charter flight arranged by the BCCI. Additionally, Secretary Jay Shah also traveled with the team on an Air India plane. A charter flight was booked by the BCCI to safely bring the World Cup-winning team home after they were stranded for three days in hurricane-affected Barbados.
Outside Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, thousands of fans amidst early morning rain lined up eagerly to welcome home the returning champions. In response, the Indian players reciprocated the fans’ support by greeting and waving at them enthusiastically. Rohit Sharma emerged from the airport proudly displaying the T20 World Cup trophy, lifting it high for fans to see. Virat Kohli acknowledged the fans’ support with waves and posed for photographs with fans at the team hotel in New Delhi. Head coach Rahul Dravid appeared delighted as he soaked in the admiration from the crowd and the hotel staff.
Rohit Sharma celebrated the occasion with a dance to peppy beats outside the team hotel. Suryakumar Yadav, known for his crucial catch in the T20 World Cup final, showcased his Bhangra skills alongside Rishabh Pant. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya, hailed as the hero of the last over, returned home with a touch of Caribbean flair, sporting a white hat and posing for photographers at the airport. The celebrations continued as the Indian team headed to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade and a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium. Rohit Sharma and his teammates embarked on a victory parade along Marine Drive, covering a kilometer stretch in an open-top bus. Rohit Sharma invited fans to join the celebrations through a social media post.
Later in the day, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah formally presented the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 125 crore to the victorious Indian players during the felicitation ceremony held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. India’s victory in the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup marked the end of an 11-year drought for an ICC trophy. The team secured an unbeaten campaign, defeating prominent teams such as Australia and England before clinching the title against South Africa in an electrifying final. Following the victorious campaign, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is, while head coach Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note.
