The triumphant Indian team, fresh from their T20 World Cup victory, received an ecstatic welcome during their victory parade from Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, traveling on an open-top bus after their arrival from Delhi on Thursday.
A jubilant crowd, fueled by the excitement of the World Cup win, greeted the players with applause and cheers. The team reciprocated the enthusiasm, smiling and waving back at their fans. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli proudly displayed the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy to the large gathering of fans along the route. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah and Board vice president Rajiv Shukla joined the players on the bus to celebrate the momentous occasion.
During the celebrations, several players, including Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal, draped themselves in the national flag. Some ardent fans even climbed trees to get a better view of the players holding the trophy as they waved to the crowd. Rohit Sharma, holding hands with team's head coach Rahul Dravid and batter Suryakumar Yadav, raised their clasped hands towards the sky in a gesture of triumph. The team eventually arrived at the Wankhede Stadium.
A massive crowd had gathered at Marine Drive to welcome the team, which showcased remarkable grit, determination, and resilience to clinch the World Cup in the West Indies. India became the first team to lift this prestigious title without a single defeat in the tournament. A felicitation ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium following the victory parade.
Indian T20I vice-captain Hardik Pandya was seen clutching the trophy as the team exited the Mumbai airport, where fans had also assembled in large numbers to show their appreciation for the Men in Blue. At the Mumbai International Airport, the team walked through a Tricolour-draped aerobridge, greeted with a shower of flower petals as they made their way through the arrival corridor. Traditional Maharashtrian music, including Dhol Tasha, Tutari, and Lezim, filled the air during the grand welcome. The airport also laid out a red carpet, culminating in a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde has instructed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent any inconvenience to the fans at Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium. The police have been directed to manage the crowd and traffic effectively today at Marine Drive.
Earlier today, the victorious Indian team arrived in the national capital, greeted warmly by fans eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes and the trophy. Prime Minister Modi interacted with the World Cup-winning team at his residence. During the meeting, the 'Men in Blue' wore a special jersey featuring two stars above the BCCI emblem, symbolizing their two T20 World Cup victories. The word 'CHAMPIONS' was prominently displayed on the jersey. After arriving in the national capital, Team India reached the ITC Maurya Hotel, where they celebrated their historic win by cutting a special cake adorned with the T20 World Cup trophy.
India broke a 13-year ICC World Cup trophy drought with a historic victory in Barbados, defeating South Africa in the final by 7 runs in a thrilling match.
