Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes India's T20 World Cup winning team, receives special jersey

The Indian cricket team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi upon arrival in the capital after winning the T20 World Cup. India beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup final to clinch their first ICC title in 11 years and their first World Cup trophy since 2011. It was also India's second T20 World Cup triumph after 2007.

LIVE: Indian cricket team celebrates T20 World Cup triumph on return

Members of the Indian cricket team posed alongside Prime Minister Modi at his residence holding the T20 World Cup trophy in their hands. The team wore jerseys that read 'Champions'.

After the meeting which also included breakfast, the Indian team returned to their hotel with a flight to Mumbai in sight.

The Indian team was accompanied by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny for the ceremony.

In an article published on X, the BCCI wrote: “The triumphant Indian Cricket Team met the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji at his official residence today upon arrival.

“Sir, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your inspiring words and the invaluable support you have extended to #TeamIndia

“Jai Hind”

The triumphant Indian Cricket Team met the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji at his official residence today upon arrival.

Sir, we extend our most sincere thanks to you for your inspiring words and the invaluable support you have given us. pic.twitter.com/9muKYmUVkU

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi interacted with the Indian team members and each shared their experiences of the T20 World Cup.

The Prime Minister wrote on X: “A great meeting with our champions! We hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation about their experiences throughout the tournament.”

A great meeting with our Champions!

I welcomed the World Cup winning team to 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation about their experiences throughout the tournament. pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn

-Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024

The Indian team landed in the early hours of Thursday morning amid monsoon rains, heavy security deployment and received a euphoric welcome.

Hundreds of supporters, holding placards, congratulated and celebrated with the team.

“We have been waiting for this moment for 13 years. The team made us proud by winning the World Cup,” said one fan who said he had been waiting since 4:30 a.m.

The team was unable to return immediately after the win due to a shutdown forced by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados. They were held up in their hotel before BCCI secretary Jay Shah arranged for a special charter flight.

The Air India Champions 24 World Cup special charter flight AIC24WC which left Barbados at around 4:50 am local time on Wednesday arrived in Delhi at 6:00 am (IST) on Thursday after a 16-hour non-stop journey.

Heavy security was deployed to keep the crowd under control at the Indira Gandhi International Airport but that failed to deter the fans who cheered enthusiastically while holding posters of Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma and outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid.

Two buses were parked outside the T3 terminal to ferry the players to the ITC Maurya Sheraton, where they were welcomed by traditional dhol and Bhangra dancers.

Jubilation in the air

THE #T20WorldCup The champions have arrived in New Delhi!

Showcasing the Captain's Raw Emotions @ImRo45 -directed #TeamIndia's arrival filled with celebrations pic.twitter.com/EYrpJehjzj

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024

Most of them, including Rohit, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant, shook hands with the assembled dancers, leaving them with an unforgettable memory.

Even the security staff on duty had smiles on their faces as the players relaxed after the long journey, shook hands with all who wished and moved into their rooms after cutting a cake dedicated to them.

At the airport, the players left in dribs and drabs after completing immigration formalities.

#WATCH | Delhi: Shubham, a supporter of the Indian men's cricket team, says, “I drew these two sketches of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I reached the airport around 4:30 am just to get a glimpse of the Indian team with the trophy. We are all very happy…”

The Indian team has pic.twitter.com/VkYIVjnnW0

-ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024

Tired but excited, they greeted the waiting fans with waves and warm smiles.

Suryakumar, who took the sensational winning catch from David Miller in the final, was the most animated in responding to the cheers.

Pant, who made his return to international cricket after a life-threatening car accident, waved to the gathered crowd as pacer Mohammed Siraj blew flying kisses in their direction.

Rohit and final player Kohli, both retired from T20Is at the end of India's campaign, were among the last to exit through the VIP exit.

Rohit lifted the coveted trophy for the fans to see before boarding the bus. Kohli, on his part, gave a thumbs up in appreciation for the support.

In their excitement to see their heroes in person, some fans said they had been waiting outside the airport since last night.

#WATCH | Delhi: A supporter of the Indian men's cricket team says, “I am extremely happy and excited. I just hope to get a glimpse of the team and captain Rohit Sharma. There is a roadshow in Mumbai in the evening today, we are all excited about that too…”

The Indian team has pic.twitter.com/0lXoMkAzJp

-ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024

“We have been here since last night. It was very important for us to win this World Cup after losing the ODI World Cup last year,” said a group of supporters.

The Indian cricket team's busy schedule later in the day includes a flight to Mumbai to take part in an open bus victory parade followed by a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium.

A similar roadshow was held in Mumbai 17 years ago when MS Dhoni's team beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the inaugural World T20 in 2007 in South Africa.

(with contributions from PTI)