The open bus parade, delayed by a few hours, began at 7:30 pm. from the National Centre for Performing Arts in Nariman Point and proceeded to the Wankhede Stadium, a journey that took over an hour and a half due to the overwhelming fans turnout.
The players were met with enthusiastic chants and applause as they traveled the usually short distance, which extended due to the celebration.
In 2007, Rohit Sharma was the youngest member of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s epoch-making squad and now at 37, for him to lead his T20 World Champion Indian cricket team on a victory parade must have given him a sense of deja vu.
Rohit reflected on the moment and the fans’ unwavering support, saying, “This (crowd) tells that the desperation we had to win was similar to the desperation which the fans had. The win has brought smiles on faces of crores of people. This is a special team and this trophy belongs to the nation,”
Hardik Pandya, a standout performer in the T20 World Cup, was warmly received by the Mumbai crowd.
Known as the ‘Baroda Bomber,’ Hardik’s acceptance by the city was evident as he lifted the trophy to the fans, receiving chants and applause that previously eluded him during the IPL.
The fans seemed to make amends for their prior indifference with their cheers.
The excitement was palpable as fans eagerly awaited a glimpse of Virat Kohli.
Upon arrival at Wankhede Stadium, Kohli did not disappoint, joining the celebration with team members Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel. They danced to the beats of Nashik Dholwalas, much to the delight of the crowd.
The Indian team’s journey to Mumbai from New Delhi commenced around 3:42 p.m. after an initial breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following their return from Barbados.
At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the team’s aircraft received a ‘Water Salute,’ and the players were met by a sea of fans and media outside the airport.
At Wankhede Stadium, thousands of fans filled the stands despite intermittent rain and extreme humidity.
Even with no food or water arrangements, they remained in high spirits, entertained by a DJ playing songs across various genres. The stadium resonated with chanting and music, including the popular “Chak de India” and “To Brazil” by Vengaboys.
The excitement continued with traditional chants such as “Sachin… Sachin” and the resounding “Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma!” followed by “India… India.”
The entire event exemplified the nation’s deep love and dedication to its cricket heroes, who reciprocated the fans’ enthusiasm with equal fervor.