After their victorious ICC T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies, the Indian cricket team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon their return. The team, stuck in Barbados for three days after the final, landed in New Delhi at 6:00 AM and met PM Modi at his residence around 11:00 AM.
In a remarkable gesture, PM Modi did not touch the T20 World Cup trophy during the photo session. Instead, he held the hands of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, who were holding the trophy with one hand each. This act has gone viral on social media and has been praised for respecting the unsaid rule that only the winning athletes or teams should touch their trophies or medals.
PM Narendra Modi didn't hold the World Cup trophy, instead held Rohit and David's hands. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/0gzbfHxGmx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 4, 2024
Additionally, PM Modi was presented with a special NaMo jersey from the Indian team.
The triumphant Indian Cricket Team met with the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, at his official residence today upon arrival.
Sir, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your inspiring words and the invaluable support you have provided to… pic.twitter.com/9muKYmUVkU
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024
Following the meeting, the cricketers headed to the Delhi airport to fly to Mumbai, where a grand victory parade was organized at Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium. Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik confirmed that team members from Mumbai, including Captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dubey, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, would meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Assembly on Friday.
Ajinkya Naik, Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), announced that the public would have free entry to the victory parade celebrating India’s win. MCA member Jitendra Awhad expressed his delight, noting the significance of the victory and the celebratory reception in Mumbai, often referred to as the land of cricket, where the sport is considered a religion across India.
The team was warmly welcomed by fans in Delhi, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite heroes and the coveted trophy.