5 best moments from Team India’s T20 World Cup victory parade and celebration
On June 29, in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Team India created history when they beat South Africa by seven runs. Rohit Sharma’s side became the first one to go undefeated in tournament history.
The Men in Blue landed on their home soil in the early hours of Thursday, July 4. Initially, the team was scheduled to leave Barbados on Monday, July 1, but the plan was postponed due to inclement weather.
However, the wait was worth it for the players, as they received a great reception from fans in New Delhi. Indian players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, were all in a joyful mood as they danced to bhangra beats.
Rohit Sharma’s champions then met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breakfast. The Indian PM congratulated the team for their triumph and shared on X that he had a memorable conversation with the players.
Next, Team India headed to Mumbai, where thousands of fans were waiting for them on Marine Drive and at the Wankhede Stadium despite the rain. Even though the victory parade was delayed for almost two hours, the entirety of Marine Drive was jam-packed as fans waited to see the champions. The Men in Blue did a victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede, where they thanked fans for their support.
Subsequently, a felicitation ceremony was held at the Wankhede, where the BCCI presented Team India with a prize of INR 125 crore for winning the T20 World Cup. Team India players shared their beautiful memories from the World Cup and did a lap of honour to celebrate their victory with fans.
July 4, 2024, will be remembered forever in the history of Indian cricket for the way fans flocked to see the world champions. As fans and players experienced this lifetime memory in Mumbai, wel look at the top five moments from Team India’s T20 World Cup victory parade and celebration.
#5 Team India receives water cannon salute at Mumbai airport
The Indian cricket team traveled to Mumbai from Delhi on a special Vistara flight ‘UK1845.’ The numbers 18 and 45 were dedicated to the veteran duo of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit.
Both Virat and Rohit announced their retirement from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup, so this special gesture made things more memorable.
#4 Virat Kohli praises Jasprit Bumrah for his contribution to Team India
The former Indian captain Virat Kohli was full of praise for star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian seamer won Player of the Tournament for his heroics. Bumrah took 15 wickets in the tournament at an average of 8.26 with an excellent economy of just 4.17.
While agreeing with the idea proposed by host Gaurav Kapoor that Bumrah should be declared ‘Nation Treasure,’ Virat Kohli asked the Mumbai crowd to applaud him for his brilliant effort. He said:
"You know what I'd like everyone to do is applaud a guy who brought us back into games again and again and again in this tournament.
"What he did in those last five overs, bowling two out of the last five overs, it was phenomenal. A huge round of applause for Jasprit Bumrah, please."
#3 Chants of “Hardik Hardik” at the Wankhede
The last six months have been very difficult for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. When the Mumbai Indians announced that he would replace Rohit Sharma as the captain for IPL 2024, Pandya's life changed, as fans couldn’t digest the decision.
No matter which stadium Hardik played in during the IPL, he was booed. However, in the decisive game against South Africa, Hardik proved his mettle by turning the tide India's way. He also bowled the all-important last over and helped the Men in Blue become the T20 World Cup winners for the second time.
While talking to the host, Rohit Sharma said:
"Hardik was bowling the final over for us. Hats off to him for bowling that last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him."
At that time, the Wankhede crowd started chanting "Hardik Hardik," and Pandya's expression of relief became apparent. The Indian all-rounder was all smiles and waved at the crowd for the great reception.
#2 Rohit and Virat lead as Indian players dance to ‘Chak De India’
The Wankhede was packed with over 30,000 fans when the Indian players walked into the ground after the victory parade. It was a historic moment, both for fans and the players.
Rohit Sharma was led towards the fans by Virat Kohli, who encouraged him to dance.
All the Indian players, including Virat and Rohit, were seen dancing their hearts out to ‘Chak De India.’ It was a lifetime memory for fans to see the legendary duo dancing together at the Wankhede.
#1 Team India sing ‘Vande Mataram’ while doing a victory lap
On a day that was filled with celebrations, the goosebumps moment came when the crowd joined Indian players as they sang the patriotic song ‘Vande Mataram’ while doing a victory lap.
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya were at the forefront as the entire stadium and Men in Blue lived this beautiful moment that will be etched in the history of Indian cricket and remembered for a long time.