The team, led by captain Rohit Sharmaalongside head coach Rahul Dravidvice-captain Hardik Pandyaand key player Virat Kohlimarked their homecoming by cutting a cake at the ITC Maurya hotel in New Delhi.
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This celebration followed their arrival in the early hours of Thursday morning, where they were met by a large gathering of fans at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, despite the inclement weather. The fans’ enthusiasm was palpable, with many waving the national flag and holding placards in support of the team.
The journey back to India was facilitated by a specially chartered Air India flight, designated “Air India Champions 24 World Cup” (AIC24WC), which departed from Bridgetown, Barbados.
The flight, which lasted approximately 16 hours, was direct to Delhi, carrying not only the players but also the support staff, their families, board officials, and members of the media.
This victory was particularly significant as it ended an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, with the team clinching their second T20 world title and the country’s fourth overall World Cup triumph through a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa.
Their journey back was delayed due to Hurricane Beryl, which forced a shutdown in Barbados, adding an element of resilience to their triumphant homecoming. Upon their return, the team’s schedule includes a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra-Modifollowed by a victory parade in Mumbai.
