Team India, the T20 World Cup Champions, received a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon their return home. On July 4, 2024, the Indian team members met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special breakfast at his residence in New Delhi.
“It is a matter of joy for us that you have filled our country with enthusiasm and celebration, and you have fulfilled all the hopes and expectations of our countrymen. My heartiest congratulations to you. I want to congratulate you all,” said PM Modi at his residence adding, “I work late at night and the TV was on and I was doing my work. You showed team spirit, talent and patience. There was no haste in your actions. You were filled with confidence.”
After meeting PM Modi, the Indian team departed for Mumbai, where they were greeted with a grand welcome at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The team then participated in a victory parade on a special open-top bus along Marine Drive, before reaching the iconic Wankhede Stadium for a grand felicitation ceremony. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah presented the World Cup trophy and a cash prize of INR 125 crore (approximately USD 16 million) to the Indian players.
On receiving a grand welcome Sharma noted, “It is a special team, and I am so lucky to lead this team. The reception we have got here tells you the enthusiasm people have. This trophy means a lot to us, but it is for the entire nation,” adding “The huge turnout of fans to welcome us shows they were as desperate for this T20 World Cup title as we were.”
“What I saw today, I have never seen anything like this,” said Jasprit Bumrah after participating in the parade.
“I am going to miss this love. What I saw on streets tonight, I won’t forget it,” said Indian coach Rahul Dravid at the Wankhede Stadium.
Team India beat South Africa on June 29th at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Indian Captain Rohit Sharma, following in the footsteps of former Indian Captain M S Dhoni, became the second captain to secure the T20 World Cup for India.
After winning the World Cup, Indian team players Sharma, Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is, while Dravid stepped down as India’s coach.
