Team India celebrations live updates: Rohit Sharma and co. commence their lap of honor at a jam-packed Wankhede Stadium
Team India have big plans having set foot on the subcontinent after their fabled triumph across the world. Despite arriving with the T20 World Cup title a tad late due to Hurricane Beryl in Barbados and the adjoining areas, the excitement has not dwindled by any means.
After an eventful non-stop 16-hour flight, the Men in Blue landed in New Delhi in the early hours of Thursday, July 4. Virat Kohli was astonished by the number of fans already assembled, while Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma performed a little jig along with the dancers outside the hotel.
Team India received a rousing reception at the ITC Maurya and were welcomed by a special cake to commemorate the triumph.
"Its highlight is this trophy, it may look like an actual trophy but this is made out of chocolate...This is our welcome to the winning team...We have arranged the breakfast in the special venue and we will offer them a special breakfast," ITC executive chef told ANI.
Team India have a huge day ahead of them as they are slated to depart for Mumbai after they meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An open bus parade and a lap of honor at the Wankhede Stadium will take place in the evening.
Team India reach the PMO Office to meet Narendra Modi
According to the latest update, the Men in Blue have left for their meeting with Narendra Modi. The entire squad were seen sporting a special version of their T20I jersey, which included 'Champion' across the front.
As expected, there is great commotion almost everywhere, and the contingent is bound to have a memorable interaction with Narendra Modi.
Team India leave for Mumbai after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Indian squad met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and have begun their journey to the Delhi airport for their scheduled flight to Mumbai.
Team India's laughter-filled interaction with Narendra Modi
After a somber interaction last time around after missing out on the 2023 ODI World Cup, the players and the prime minister were able to have a jovial time this time around with the trophy in the background.
The squad, along with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, BCCI president Roger Binny, and Narendra Modi posed for a photograph with the T20 World Cup title. The interaction also involved Narendra Modi addressing the squad, while the likes of Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and other members of the squad, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya had their moment with the mic as well.
Team India reportedly on their way to Mumbai in flight UK1845
The Indian team are currently en route Mumbai for the special evening planned. Their journey in the air will be on a special Vistara aircraft dedicated to both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with their designated jersey numbers, and the take-off is scheduled to be soon. Eager fans have already lined up outside the Trident Hotel in Mumbai ahead of the festivities.
Team India lands in Mumbai ahead of victory parade
The Indian squad touches down in Mumbai where a sea of people largely await their arrival. The city has been completely engulfed in blue, with everything from the railway platforms, to the roads, to the iconic Marine Drive and the destination Wankhede Stadium jam-packed with people.
Despite the rains, the fans have not moved an inch from the spot, and chants for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya are in full flow. In fact, the bus for the victory parade is stuck right outside the venue with a relentless crowd in full voice.
Team India headed to the Wankhede Stadium as the trophy parade kickstarts
After a cake-cutting ceremony on the plane and a water cannon salute at the Mumbai airport, the squad has finally made it to the open bus for the trophy parade. Fans have lined up on the streets of Mumbai as well as the Wankhede Stadium for hours to get a glimpse of their heroes as they present the T20 World Cup trophy.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lead the proceedings at the Wankhede for Team India
The Men in Blue's victory parade was met with a swarm of fans across all sides. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma lifted the trophy together at the head of the bus to create an ever-lasting image in the minds of the fans.
Hardik Pandya flaunted the T20 World Cup title on the Wankhede outfield to earn his moment of redemption. Whereas the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were dancing their hearts out with other members of the squad joining in as well.