• T20 World Champions Team India meets PM Modi at his residence

    Sports
    T20 World Champions Team India meets PM Modi at his residence
    The celebration will culminate with the Indian team's open-top bus parade along Mumbai's Marine Drive, covering a 1km stretch. 

    Digital Desk: The Indian cricket team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, gathered at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi for a celebratory breakfast on Thursday. During the hour-long meeting, PM Modi extended his congratulations to the victorious T20 World Cup team. The team arrived at No. 7, Lok Kalyan Marg at 11 am IST following a warm reception upon their arrival at ITC Maurya hotel. Captain Rohit Sharma, along with Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli, was seen cutting a specially prepared cake by the hotel chef.

    PM Modi encouraged the team to continue their winning streak, expressing confidence that their T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados would serve as motivation for future tournaments. A video capturing moments of laughter and anecdotes shared between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian cricket team players during their meeting was shared widely. Head coach Rahul Dravid also addressed the gathering as players sat together with the Prime Minister. PM Modi appeared delighted throughout the interaction.

    Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya were among the players who shared their experiences during the meeting. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and President Roger Binny also attended the breakfast meeting with the team.

    Following their meeting with PM Modi, the Indian team departed for New Delhi airport en route to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade. The Men in Blue sported customised India jerseys with 'Champions' emblazoned on them as they met with PM Modi. The Prime Minister hosted a special breakfast where he listened to the team's experiences from their journey in the USA and the Caribbean. India secured their second T20 World Cup crown by defeating South Africa in the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

    Upon their return to New Delhi, the T20 World Cup heroes were welcomed with great fanfare. Arriving in a special charter plane arranged by the BCCI, the team, support staff, and approximately 20 members of the media landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport's Terminal 3. Secretary Jay Shah accompanied the team on the Air India flight, which was arranged due to their earlier stranded in Barbados during Hurricane Beryl.

    Despite early morning rain, thousands of fans lined up outside the airport to greet the returning players. Rohit Sharma proudly displayed the T20 World Cup trophy, captivating fans with a celebratory gesture that quickly became viral. Virat Kohli also acknowledged the fans' support with waves and posed for photographs upon arriving at the team hotel in New Delhi. Head coach Rahul Dravid received accolades from both the crowd and hotel staff.

    The day's celebrations continued with Rohit Sharma leading the charge outside the team hotel, dancing to the beats of dhol. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant showcased their Bhangra skills, while Hardik Pandya added a touch of Caribbean flair in a white hat, posing for photographers at the airport.

    The festivities will culminate with the Indian team's open-top bus parade along Mumbai's Marine Drive, covering a 1km stretch. Rohit Sharma has invited fans to join in the celebrations, as festivities will conclude with a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, where BCCI Secretary Jay Shah will present the trophy and Rs 125 crore prize money to the victorious players.

    The 2024 men's T20 World Cup victory marked India's first ICC trophy in 11 years, capping an unbeaten campaign that included wins over Australia, England, and culminating in a thrilling final against South Africa. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is following the successful campaign, while head coach Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note.