Delhi Welcomes with Heart, Mumbai with Love: World Champions Say Thank You, India!

Team India received

Source: aajtak

Returning home as World Champions on Thursday, Team India was saluted with love and passion. 13 years after their last triumph, India has clinched a cricket World Cup again. Such a euphoric return was welcomed heartily by Delhi and lovingly by Mumbai. Overwhelmed by the fans' zeal, the World Champions thanked everyone. After a bespoke ceremony at Wankhede, the team was presented with a check of 125 crore rupees. The long 16-hour journey to Delhi washed away all fatigue as they were greeted magnificently at the airport. Then, India's stars met the Prime Minister for breakfast.

In spite of drizzles, fans chanted their names and waved the national flag as the players exited the Indira Gandhi International Airport. A huge crowd gathered, with a special cake ready for the champions. Captain Rohit Sharma and Jay Shah sliced the cake before proceeding on. Riding on the cheers of 'India-India', the players boarded the bus one by one. At the hotel, the celebration atmosphere was even more vibrant with drums and music. As Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav descended from the bus, they immersed themselves in the rhythm, performing a lively Bhangra. The hotel lobby was brimming with people, each eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the world champions.

After the flamboyant greeting, all players headed to the Prime Minister's residence. Around ten-thirty in the morning, they left the hotel where captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, Coach Rahul Dravid, and Player of the Final Virat Kohli cut a special cake. Post the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the players shared memorable experiences, the team set off for Mumbai.

Team India also received a thunderous welcome in Mumbai. At the airport, the Indian cricket team was honored with a water salute, and they were garlanded upon exiting the plane. Throngs of people eagerly lined the streets from Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium to catch a glimpse of the champions. Despite the light rain, the three-kilometer-long road was filled with an enthusiastic crowd, with some climbing trees and rooftops to view the players.

"This trophy is for the whole country," said Rohit Sharma at the Wankhede Stadium. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the honorable meeting and thanked everyone on behalf of the team and BCCI. "I am truly happy and relieved. Mumbai never disappoints. We received a wonderful reception, and we thank the fans. My happiness and relief are profound," said Rohit, who also praised his teammate Hardik Pandya.

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