The Indian cricket team landed in New Delhi on Thursday morning in a special Air India chartered plane from Barbados. After a 3-day wait on the Caribbean island after the T20 World Cup triumph, the cricket heroes returned home with the trophy. The BCCI shared a video of the players taking the trophy off of the chartered plane.
A big group of fans welcomed the team at the airport. Captain Rohit Sharma headed out of the airport with the trophy in his hand. Virat Kohli received a rousing reception and the star player waved to the fans, acknowledging their support.
Notably, the Men in Blue were left stranded in Barbados for four days after winning the coveted title with the airport shut down due to Hurricane Beryl. Once the weather improved, a special Air India chartered flight was sent to Barbados to bring the World Champions back home.
After a long journey of around 18 hours, the team has finally landed in India as fans have been waiting in long queues since late night to see their favourite stars. Special arrangements have been made for the team’s welcome both at the airport and the team hotel.
A special cake representing the World Cup Trophy has been also made for the team which will be cut at the team’s arrival in the hotel. Welcome drinks representing the national tricolour are also ready for the entire team. Following a special meet up with the PM, team will fly to Mumbai for a special road show for the fans starting from Nariman point to the Wankhede Stadium where the entire team will be honoured.
What's Team India's schedule for Thursday
Team India leaves for PM Modi's house at 9:30 AM.
After meeting they take a chartered flight to Mumbai.
Drive from Mumbai airport to Wankhede Stadium
1 km long bus parade to Wankhede Stadium.
Small presentation at the Wankhede and the World Cup to be handed by Rohit to BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Team India disperse from Wankhede in the evening.
Team India defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday. Rohit Sharma became only the second captain after MS Dhoni to win the T20 World Cup trophy for India. It was also the end of the 11-year-long wait for an ICC trophy in men's cricket.
India posted 176 in the big final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Virat Kohli top-scored with 76 after which the bowlers led the show. South Africa were cruising at one point, needing just 30 off 30. However, Jasprit Bumrah stepped up and delivered a miserly spell at the death to deliver the victory for India.
Following the victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is. It was also the end of coach Rahul Dravid's tenure.
