Rohit, Hardik, Surya Dance Bhangra, Kohli Giggles as T20 World Cup Champions Return Home

Rohit, Hardik, Surya Dance Bhangra, Kohli Giggles as T20 World Cup Champions Return Home

As the T20 World Cup trophy arrived at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi on Thursday, India captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya and star batter Suryakumar Yadav danced with it. The world-champion Indian cricket team finally returned home to a hero’s welcome after a five-day wait since defeating South Africa in the final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. After being delayed for several days by Hurricane Beryl, they finally arrived in New Delhi to raucous cries of “India, India” from the Caribbean. As the players exited the arrivals area, their gold medals dangling around their necks and some even giving their supporters a thumbs up, they were met with whistles and raucous cheers.

Long before daybreak, throngs of people gathered outside the airport in New Delhi, hoping to see their idols, even amid the monsoon rain. The audience exploded when captain Rohit emerged with the dazzling trophy, which he lifted into the air, followed by vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who had come out first and was sporting a Caribbean hat. As he waved to hundreds of fans, star batsman Virat Kohli—whose hometown is Delhi—got some of the biggest applause. Eventually, buses carrying them out of the airport were escorted by a lengthy line of police cars sounding their sirens. They were welcomed with special arrangements at the ITC Maurya Hotel, their next stop.

Video Credit: PTI

Rohit, Surya, and Hardik performed bhangra as a separate dancing area and welcomed them with dhols. While smiling widely, Kohli and Dravid refrained from displaying their dancing skills. Hardik was shaking a leg, and Kohli was seen giggling. To thunderous applause from both the hotel personnel and fans, Rishabh Pant—another local boy—was the first to enter the hotel. To honour the Indian cricket players who put an end to their country’s 13-year wait for a World Cup trophy, a special cake was kept in the foyer. Later on Thursday, the team is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, they will go to Mumbai, India’s financial centre, for a triumph parade later in the day.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and T20 World Cup Champions to Meet PM Narendra Modi

After winning the Champions Trophy in 2013, India’s 11-year hunt for a global cricket trophy came to an end last weekend. They won the 50-over category of the 2011 World Cup at home, captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. One of the fans raised a poster of head coach Rahul Dravid. “Mr. Dependable, thank you,” it said. During the post-match celebrations, the squad threw Dravid, 51, into the air, marking his farewell match in command. Following the match, all-arounder Ravindra Jadeja, captain Rohit Sharma, and captain Virat Kohli declared their retirement from Twenty20 international cricket.