Jul 5, 2024
India's T20 World Cup winners returned home to a heroes' welcome, greeted by huge crowds of euphoric fans and praised by a grinning Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a private reception.
Image Source: PTI
Frenzied crowds shouted "India, India" after the team landed at Delhi airport from the Caribbean, having been delayed for days by Hurricane Beryl.
Image Source: AP
The team waved to the crowds and danced to drums and live music at their hotel before heading off to meet Modi at his residence.
Image Source: PTI
Rohit and his team wore Indian jerseys emblazoned with "Champions", as broadcasters showed images of them posing with their trophy and the premier.
Image Source: Agencies
Evening saw the team paraded in an open-topped bus through the financial capital Mumbai, the birthplace of India's cricket obsession, along a seafront route thronging with jubliant crowds.
Image Source: Reuters
They took a victory lap in front of thousands more fans at Wankhede Stadium, the site of India's last World Cup win for the 50-over edition of the tournament in 2011.
Image Source: AFP
Despite monsoon rain, crowds gathered outside New Delhi's airport long before dawn, waiting for a glimpse of their idols, who had beaten South Africa on Saturday in a thrilling final in Barbados.
Image Source: AP
The final match marked a poignant milestone for Coach Rahul Dravid, 51, as it was his last game in charge. Dravid, who had experienced the disappointment of a lackluster 2007 World Cup campaign as a captain, redeemed himself as a coach, masterminding India's unbeaten run to the title.
Image Source: Reuters
Rohit, Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja all announced their retirement from T20 international cricket after the final.
Image Source: PTI