The long-awaited return of India’s-winning cricket team culminated in a grand homecoming at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi early Thursday morning. Battling the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Barbados, the team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, faced delays before a specially chartered Air India flight finally brought them back home.
India clinched the T20 World Cup title after a thrilling victory over South Africa, marking their first World Cup triumph since 2011. Celebrations in Barbados lingered as Hurricane Beryl disrupted travel plans, prompting an urgent request for a charter flight from Air India. The flight, named ‘AIC24WC’ in honor of their World Cup victory, departed Barbados and landed in Delhi after a 16-hour journey.
Travelling with the prestigious 🏆 on the way back home! 😍
🎥 WATCH: #TeamIndia were in excellent company during their memorable travel day ✈️👌 – By @RajalArora #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0ivb9m9Zp1
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024
During the flight, players and staff shared their emotions and camaraderie, with special moments captured on video by BCCI. The journey included a heartfelt acknowledgment for coach Rahul Dravid, who bid farewell to his coaching role post-tournament.
Amidst the jubilation, players mingled with journalists and their families, with Jasprit Bumrah even seen caring for his son, Angad. The flight also hosted Indian media personnel, who were granted a rare opportunity to interact closely with the team and hold the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.
Upon their arrival in Delhi, the team was greeted by enthusiastic fans waving national flags and banners. They proceeded to the ITC Maurya Hotel before scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a roadshow from Marine Drive to Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium later in the day.