T20 World Champion Team India Arrives Home

The victorious Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, who won the Men's T20 World Cup on June 29, finally landed at the IGI Airport in New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday. This marks the team's second T20 World Cup victory, having previously won the tournament in 2007.

World Cup Victory

India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval on Saturday. The Indian team posted a total of 176 runs, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 76 runs. In a tense finish, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a remarkable spell at the death to secure the win for India, restricting South Africa, who needed 30 runs off the last 30 balls.

Disruption and Special Flight Arrangements

The team's return travel plans were disrupted by Hurricane Beryl, which left them stranded in Barbados for three days. To bring the team back home, the BCCI arranged a special chartered Air India flight named 'AIC24WC' (Air India Champions 24 World Cup). The Boeing 777 flight originated from Newark, New Jersey, and arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Bridgetown during the early hours of Wednesday. The flight took off from Bridgetown at 4:50 am local time, carrying the Indian team, support staff, players' families, BCCI officials, and 22 travelling media personnel.

Joyous Welcome

Upon landing in New Delhi, the team received a warm welcome from a large group of fans at the airport. Captain Rohit Sharma, holding the trophy, and star player Virat Kohli, who received a rousing reception, acknowledged the fans' support. Special arrangements were made for the team's arrival, including a cake representing the World Cup trophy and welcome drinks in the national tricolour.

Meeting with Prime Minister Modi

The team proceeded to the ITC Maurya Hotel and had a felicitation meeting for breakfast with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

Scheduled Events in Mumbai

The T20 World Cup-winning contingent is scheduled to land in Mumbai at 4 pm after taking off from New Delhi at 2 pm. In Mumbai, they will board an open-top bus from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NPCA) and participate in a victory parade from 5 pm to 7 pm. The parade will go through Marine Drive and conclude at the Wankhede Stadium, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their favourite players. A small function to felicitate the team will be held at the Wankhede Stadium from 7 to 7:30 pm, after which the players will disperse to their hotel.

End of an Era

Following the victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is. This victory also marks the end of coach Rahul Dravid's tenure. Rohit Sharma becomes only the second captain after MS Dhoni to win the T20 World Cup for India, ending an 11-year-long wait for an ICC trophy in men's cricket.