The Indian cricket team returned to New Delhi as heroes after winning the Twenty20 World Cup in Barbados. Thousands of fans gathered at the airport, waving national flags and chanting “India, India” as the team arrived with the trophy in hand. Skipper Rohit Sharma proudly displayed the prize, while some players even danced to drum beats as they reached their destination.
The celebrations were set to continue as thousands more awaited the team’s arrival at their hotel. Cricket official Arun Dhumal called the T20 victory a “lifetime experience” for the squad, marking India’s first World Cup title since winning the 50-over version in 2011. In recent years, India has faced defeat in several international competitions, including the World Test Championship final against Australia and the 50-over World Cup match at home against Australia last year.
After meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the cricketers were scheduled for an open bus roadshow followed by a celebration ceremony at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a cash bonus of 1.25 billion rupees ($15 million) for the winning squad. Following their victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from international T20 matches.
