Watch: Rohit Sharma Lifts T20 World Cup Trophy Amid Loud Cheers In New Delhi, ‘It’s Home’

The T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team’s triumphant return home after their historic victory in Barbados was marked by grand celebrations and a hero’s welcome. The team landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi early Thursday morning, greeted by hundreds of enthusiastic fans who had gathered despite the steady drizzle. The crowd, holding placards, waving the national flag, and cheering for their favorite players, erupted in joy as captain Rohit Sharma lifted the coveted trophy.

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The team’s journey back to India was facilitated by a specially arranged Air India charter flight, aptly named “Air India Champions 24 World Cup” (AIC24WC). The flight, which departed from Bridgetown, Barbados, around 4:50 am local time on Wednesday, arrived in Delhi at 6 am IST on Thursday after a non-stop 16-hour journey. The Indian squad, support staff, players’ families, board officials, and members of the travelling media contingent were all aboard the flight.

India’s thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final marked the country’s second T20 world title and fourth overall World Cup triumph. The win ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy. However, the team’s return was delayed due to a shutdown caused by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados.

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As part of the celebrations, the Indian cricket team is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Thursday morning. Following this, the team will travel to Mumbai, where they will participate in an open bus victory parade, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their heroes and share in the joy of their achievements. The celebrations will culminate with a felicitation ceremony at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the team will be honored for their remarkable feat.