Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted a historic and heartwarming meeting with the victorious Indian men’s cricket team at his residence in New Delhi. Led by captain Rohit Sharma, the team returned from Barbados after clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 title, marking the end of India’s 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.
A Momentous Gathering at Lok Kalyan Marg
The one-hour interaction at Lok Kalyan Marg saw PM Modi engaging in enriching conversations with key players, including Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and star cricketers Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant. The Prime Minister congratulated the team, celebrating their status as the world’s No. 1 T20I team and their impeccable performance throughout the tournament.
Shortly after the meeting, PM Modi took to X to share his enthusiasm, posting, “An excellent meeting with our Champions! Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament,” accompanied by photos capturing the jubilant occasion.
Victory Parade in Mumbai
Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, the Indian team headed to Mumbai for a grand open bus parade. Organized by the BCCI, the celebration commenced at 5:00 p.m. IST at Marine Drive, culminating at Wankhede Stadium. During a special function at the stadium, BCCI secretary Jay Shah presented the team with prize money of Rs 125 crore, acknowledging their historic achievement.
India’s Unprecedented T20 World Cup Success
India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 was marked by an extraordinary 100%-win record, a first in the tournament’s history. The team won all eight matches in the ninth edition of the event, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. This victory not only solidified Rohit Sharma’s legacy as the first Indian to win two T20 World Cup titles but also the first captain to achieve 50 T20I wins.
Farewell to Legends
In a poignant turn, following the championship win, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is, along with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, and their retirements mark the end of a significant era.
The celebrations in New Delhi and Mumbai reflect the nation’s pride and joy in their cricketing heroes, setting a high benchmark for future generations.