The city of dreams had turned up for Team India, who won their second T20 World Cup in Barbados, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought.
Before reaching Mumbai, the Indian team arrived at the airport in New Delhi in the early morning hours. After their arrival, the Indian players and team management met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence for breakfast.
Mumbai was a sea of people in the backdrop of the Arabian Sea as lakhs of people turned up to welcome the victorious Indian side on their homecoming. Even before team India’s arrival, cricket fever had gripped Mumbai, with fans already gathering in numbers to witness team India’s victory parade.
The open-top bus parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium was a picturesque journey for the Indian team, with thousands of fans stationed along the sides of Marine Drive. Throughout the parade, players were seen lifting the coveted trophy high in the air and appreciating the support of their fans. The love of the fans was clearly visible when some of them climbed trees and cheered for the team as the bus went past them. The victory parade was followed by a felicitation by the BCCI at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, attended by a full-packed crowd.
Following the Men in Blue’s victory parade, many women cricketers reacted to the event. Australian cricketer Amanda Wellington acknowledged the craze of the victory parade through a tweet.
This is unbelievable https://t.co/gSaZuAYHrd
— Amanda Wellington (@amandajadew) July 4, 2024
Fellow Indian women cricketers also reacted, with Indian spinner Shreyanka Patil tweeting about her fortune to represent the nation and her excitement for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.
So incredibly proud to wear this jersey. Watching the celebrations this evening makes me realise how lucky I am to wear the India colours. Can’t wait to win the women’s World Cup and experience this love! #India #inspired #grateful pic.twitter.com/ZvEq8swz0x
— Shreyanka Patil (@shreyanka_patil) July 4, 2024
The likes of Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana also posted stories on Instagram
The Women in Blue would also eye World Cup glory later this year and are currently playing against the Proteas side, who are touring India for an all-format tour. The tour started on June 16th, with the ODIs in Bengaluru, where the hosts whitewashed the Proteas 3-0. This was followed by a win in the one-off Test in Chennai. The caravan concludes with the three-match T20I series at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.