In South Mumbai Marine Drive, tens of thousands of fans turned up for welcome India’s T20 World Cup-winning team in a victory parade.
At 7:30 pm., the open bus parade was delayed for several hours and it began at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Nariman Point, and went to Wankhede Stadium, which has taken more than one and half hour as fans came out in their numbers.
While they were traveling what is usually a short distance but that was lengthened by the celebration, the players were met with enthusiastic chants and applause.
He was just 19 years old when he entered Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s revolutionary squad in 2007; thus, leading his T20 world champion Indian cricket team on a victory parade at age 37 must have given him a déjà vu feeling of sorts.
This (crowd) tells that our desperation to win was like that of the fans. There are crores of people now smiling all over due to this win. This is an extraordinary side and the nation owns this trophy.” Rohit said reflecting on the moment plus unwavering support from fans.”
Mumbai crowd accorded Hardik Pandya a great reception after his impressive performance during T20 World Cup.
His acceptance as ‘Baroda Bomber’ by city became evident when he lifted up trophy towards fans being greet by cheers and claps. Which had never happened even in IPL before.
The chanting seems like some sort of reparation by supporters who did not pay much attention earlier on.
Fans were anxiously waiting to see Virat Kohli with bated breaths.
Upon reaching Wankhede Stadium, Kohli joined Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel to join them in celebrating. While dancing to Nashik Dholwalas tunes amidst cheers from those around them.
The Indian team left New Delhi for Mumbai around 3:42 p.m. Having breakfast with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning, and after landing from Barbados.
At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The team plane was greet by a ‘Water Salute’, as well as an ocean of fans and media at the airport.
Despite intermittent rain and high humidity, thousands of fans thronged Wankhede Stadium for the match.
Without food or water arrangements, they still danced to DJ playing songs belonging to different genres. The stadium echoed with chants, music including “Chak de India” and “To Brazil” by Vengaboys.’
Traditional chants like “Sachin… Sachin” were follow by resounding “Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma!” with “India… India.”
In fact, this event was indicative of how much country loves its cricket heroes who equally reciprocated their enthusiasm.
