NEW DELHI — India’s jubilant cricketers received a rapturous reception from fans after winning the Twenty20 World Cup final in Barbados.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma lifted the World Cup trophy upon arriving at New Delhi International Airport on Thursday morning.
Hundreds of supporters gathered at the airport, many of them waving the national flag and chanting “India, India”.
There were thousands of others waiting to continue the celebrations, which started on Saturday and was about to increase. Some of the musicians danced to the beat of the drums when they arrived at the hotel.
India achieved a sensational seven-run victory against South Africa in a thrilling final last weekend, ending a drought in the International Cricket Council’s global competitions.
The team’s return from the Caribbean was delayed due to a shutdown forced by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados.
“It’s an experience of a lifetime,” said cricket official Arun Dhumal.
The T20 triumph was India’s first World Cup title since winning the 50-over version in 2011.
In the last 12 months, India lost the World Test Championship final to Australia in England and the 50-over World Cup final at home, also to the Australians.
After meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the cricketers were scheduled to fly to Mumbai and take part in an open-top bus roadshow, followed by a celebratory ceremony on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced a cash bonus of 1.25 billion rupees ($15 million) for the winning team.
Shortly after winning the title, Rohit Sharma, star batsman Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 international matches.
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