India's T20 World Cup Champions Reached Delhi; Fans rushed to Welcome the players

Enthusiastic supporters trailed their cricketing idols through monsoon downpours and tight security as the victorious Indian T20 World Cup team returned to a joyous welcome resembling a vibrant celebration, occurring on Thursday.

Hundreds of fans, displaying signs of congratulations for their beloved players and proudly waving  the national flag, endured the harsh weather to gather outside the airport for the triumphant team. They had clinched a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final just last Saturday.

"We have waited for this moment for the past 13 years. The team has made us proud by winning the World Cup", a fan, who claimed to have been waiting since 4:30 am in the morning said, referring to India's last World Cup triumph which came back in 2011.

Following their title win, the team faced a delay in returning home due to a shutdown caused by hurricane Beryl in Barbados. They remained confined to their hotel until BCCI secretary Jay Shah arranged a special charter flight.

A Air India special charter flight AIC24WC, named AirIndia Champions 24 World Cup, departed from Barbados at approximately 4:50 AM local time on Wednesday and landed in Delhi at 6AM (IST) on Thursday after a continuous 16-hour journey.

Despite heavy security measures at the Indira International Airport, the crowd’s enthusiasm was undiminished as fans cheered passionately, displaying posters of star batsman Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharama and outstanding head coach Rahul Dravid.

Two buses awaited outside T3 Terminal to transport the players to ITC Maurya Sheraton,where they received a warm welcome with dhol beats and traditional bhangra dancers.

Many of them Including, captain Rohit Sharma, All Rounder Hardik Pandya, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant, joined the dancers in a lively dance, creating unforgettable moments. Even the security personnel on duty wore smiles as the players relaxed, greeted everyone who approached them,and later retired to their rooms after sharing a cake that awaited them.

Amid the anticipated media buzz, all of this unfolded. Shortly afterward, they departed to visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, continuing a packed schedule that waited for them throughout the day.

Earlier, at the airport, the players emerged gradually, one by one, after completing immigration procedures. Despite fatigue mixed with excitement, they acknowledge the awaiting fans with waves and warm smiles.

Suryakumar, known for his sensational match-winning catch of David Miller in the final, showed the most spirited response to the cheering.

Pant, who made a remarkable return to international cricket after surviving a life-threatening car accident, greeted the gathered crowd with a salute, while pacer Mohammed Siraj blew kisses in their direction.

Rohit and player of the Final Kohli, both of whom retired from T20 international cricket at the end of India’s campaign, were among the last to come out of the VIP exit.

Some fans eagerly shared they had been waiting outside the airport since the previous night eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes in person.

"We have been here since last night. It was very important for us to win this World Cup after losing the ODI World Cup last year," a group of fans said.

The squad secured India’s second T20 world title, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC Trophy, last Saturday. India’s previous ICC victory was in 2013 when it clinched the Champions Trophy under Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

After their meeting with the Prime Minister, the players will travel to Mumbai for an open bus victory parade followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium.

A similar procession took place in Mumbai 17 years ago when Dhoni’s team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Inaugural 2007 World T20 in South Africa.