The triumphant T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team has finally begun its journey back to Delhi, boarding a charter flight from Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados early Wednesday morning. The squad had been grounded for three days owing to the havoc wreaked by a category 4 hurricane, which had severely disrupted travel plans. The special Air India charter flight, designated AIC24WC — Air India Champions 24 World Cup — took to the skies at approximately 4:50 am local time and is expected to touch down in Delhi on Thursday at around 6:20 am IST.
Displaying his exhilaration, Captain Rohit Sharma took to Instagram to post a jubilant ‘Coming home’ message, posing with the hard-won trophy inside the aircraft. The chartered flight, meticulously arranged by the BCCI, carried not only the cricket heroes but also the support staff, players’ families, board officials, and traveling media.
The Indian team clinched the glorious T20 World Cup title with a nerve-wracking seven-run victory over South Africa in the finals. This long-awaited triumph marked India’s first T20 World Cup win in 17 years, etched into history with an unforgettable match held on June 29.
Originally, the Boeing 777 had set out from New Jersey, USA, and reached Barbados at 2 am local time. The sight of the colossal aircraft drew remarks from the airport staff, noting it as the largest plane they had ever witnessed. Initial plans had the team departing sooner, but delays were incurred as the plane landed later than scheduled.
In a show of immense pride and admiration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted the Indian cricket team this past Sunday, extending his heartfelt congratulations for their T20 World Cup victory.
On their return, another layer of excitement awaits the players. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally felicitate the team within hours of their arrival in Delhi. Further celebrations have been mapped out, including a grand roadshow in Mumbai, set to honor the team’s achievement and commemorate the end of an 11-year dry spell without a major trophy.
The celebrations and honors back home might be slightly overshadowed by an impending natural disaster in a different part of the world.
. For those following the weather updates, Hurricane Beryl is now barreling towards Jamaica after its destructive stint in Barbados.
India’s World Cup victory has brought the entire nation to its feet, celebrating the sheer grit and determination displayed by the players throughout the tournament. The finals against South Africa were nothing short of a nail-biter, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as India’s bowlers managed to defend a modest total, illustrating exceptional skills under pressure.
From star batsman Virat Kohli’s crucial innings to Jasprit Bumrah’s decisive final overs, each player contributed significantly to India’s illustrious win. Behind the scenes, the support staff’s dedication and strategic planning were integral to the team’s success, underscoring the importance of collective effort in sports.
The victory comes as a significant morale booster for the country, particularly during a year fraught with setbacks due to various challenges, including the ongoing global pandemic. Cricket, often regarded as more than just a sport in India, has once again united the country in joy and celebration.
Upon landing in Delhi, the team will be greeted by a sea of enthusiastic supporters, eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes. The subsequent roadshow in Mumbai promises to be a spectacular event, with fans lining the streets and a parade showcasing the cherished trophy.
The BCCI has ensured that safety protocols and measures are in place for both the returning team and the awaiting fans to facilitate a secure and joyous celebration. The meticulous planning for the team’s return and the felicitation ceremony has involved coordination with various governmental and aviation authorities to ensure a seamless experience despite the preceding hurdles.
As the nation beams with pride, stories of individual and collective team efforts are expected to dominate media narratives in the coming days, setting an inspirational precedent for budding cricketers and ardent fans alike.
In conclusion, the team’s return spells not just the end of a physical journey but also marks a monumental milestone in the annals of Indian cricket. With jubilant festivities planned and a nation-wide celebration in the offing, the Indian cricket team’s homecoming is set to be remembered as an event of grand significance.
