In a heartwarming gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the victorious Indian cricket team at his official residence after their successful campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the squad clinched victory in a thrilling final against South Africa, marking a memorable win for the nation. However, fans were met with mixed emotions as the celebrations were overshadowed by the simultaneous retirement announcements of key players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket.
Despite the bittersweet tone, the team received a grand reception upon their return to New Delhi. Weather delays in Barbados had briefly hindered their travel plans, but any sense of inconvenience quickly dissipated as the jubilant nation welcomed their champions back on home soil. The players, accompanied by head coach Rahul Dravid and other coaching staff, were invited to meet Prime Minister Modi, with their visit lasting until 1 PM.
One of the highlights of this celebratory occasion was the presence of Suryakumar Yadav. A tweet he posted seven years ago has resurfaced, gaining significant attention amidst the nationwide celebrations. In his 2017 tweet, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the Swachh Bharat initiative and humorously mentioned how fortunate he would be to take a selfie with the Prime Minister someday. Yadav’s dream came true during this memorable meeting.
“Thank you sir @narendramodi Ji for this step. Very happy to be a part of @swachhbharat. May b a selfie someday in real if I get lucky. Haha,” Yadav posted back in 2017. Little did he know that one day, his wish would be fulfilled.
During Thursday’s meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah presented Prime Minister Modi with a special NAMO India jersey, an emblem of their gratitude.
. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma and accompanied by coach Rahul Dravid, proudly showcased the T20 World Cup trophy to the Prime Minister.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed their appreciation for the Prime Minister’s support on social media, stating, “The triumphant Indian Cricket Team met with the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, at his official residence today upon arrival. Sir, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your inspiring words and the invaluable support you have provided to #TeamIndia.”
This meeting was not only a celebration of the team’s victory but also a platform for the Prime Minister to share words of encouragement and inspiration. The camaraderie and the unity displayed during this interaction were palpable, making it a moment to cherish for everyone involved.
Following their meeting with Prime Minister Modi, the Indian cricket team departed for Mumbai, where the BCCI had organized a grand 1 km victory parade. The parade stretched from Nariman Point to the iconic Wankhede Stadium, allowing fans and supporters to celebrate alongside their cricketing heroes. A special felicitation ceremony was conducted at the Wankhede Stadium to honor the team’s remarkable achievement, adding another layer of festivity to the overall celebration.
Jay Shah, who had attended the final match against South Africa, proudly presented the team with a cash prize of Rs 125 crore in recognition of their phenomenal success. This victory marked India’s first ICC tournament win in over a decade, making it a historic moment for both the team and their supporters. The ceremony at Wankhede Stadium also featured various cultural performances, making it a vibrant tribute to the team’s hard work and dedication.
The Indian cricket team’s triumph and the subsequent celebrations have created a wave of pride and joy across the nation. While the team will undoubtedly miss the experience and leadership of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja in future T20 internationals, their contributions to Indian cricket have left an indelible mark. As the nation looks ahead to the future, young talents like Suryakumar Yadav will be expected to lead the charge and keep the spirit of Indian cricket alive.
In sum, the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, along with the grand victory parade and felicitation ceremony, not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also highlighted the unwavering support of the Indian public and the government. This historic win has added a proud chapter to India’s cricketing legacy, ensuring that the spirits remain high as the country continues to strive for excellence in the sport.
