In a celebratory event marking their triumphant return, the Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, on Thursday. The meeting followed their victorious T20 World Cup campaign in Barbados, where India claimed their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval.
Arrival and Reception
The festivities began as the team arrived in New Delhi from Barbados on a special chartered flight. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had arranged the flight, which also carried around 20 members of the media and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Upon landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the team was greeted by thousands of fans who had braved the early morning rain for a chance to see their heroes. Rohit Sharma, holding the T20 World Cup trophy aloft, and other team members waved and greeted the cheering crowd.
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
At 11 am IST, the T20 World Cup-winning team arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence, where they were welcomed for breakfast. During the hour-long meeting, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the team and encouraged them to continue their winning streak in future tournaments. He expressed confidence that their World Cup victory would serve as a motivation for upcoming challenges.
The players, including captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and star batsman Virat Kohli, shared anecdotes from their World Cup journey. A video of the meeting showed PM Modi and the team sharing laughs and reminiscing about their campaign. Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya also spoke during the meeting, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Celebratory Parade and Felicitation
Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, the team headed to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade. Donning customized India jerseys with “Champions” written on them, the players were set to embark on a victory parade along Marine Drive, concluding with a felicitation ceremony at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Captain Rohit Sharma invited fans to join the celebrations in a social media post.
The parade and subsequent ceremony are expected to draw large crowds, celebrating the team’s unbeaten campaign in the T20 World Cup. BCCI secretary Jay Shah will present the trophy and the prize money of Rs 125 crore to the team during the felicitation ceremony.
Key Moments and Retirements
India’s road to the T20 World Cup title was marked by a series of impressive performances. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating former champions Australia and England before clinching the title against South Africa. The victory ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy for India.
In a bittersweet moment, the victory also marked the retirement of key players from T20Is. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from the format, while head coach Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note. The team’s success under their leadership will be remembered as a historic chapter in Indian cricket.
The celebrations in New Delhi and Mumbai highlight the nation’s pride and joy in their cricket team’s achievements, reflecting the deep connection between the sport and its fans. As the Men in Blue continue to inspire future generations, their T20 World Cup triumph stands as a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.