Mumbai turned blue with joy as thousands of cricket fans celebrated Team India’s T20 World Cup win against South Africa in Barbados. The festivities kicked off with a grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, a special place in Indian cricket history.
During the ceremony, cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made an emotional announcement: both players are retiring from T20I cricket, marking the end of an important era. Kohli mentioned it was the first time in 15 years he had seen Rohit so emotional. The two stars were seen crying tears of joy, showing their deep bond and the importance of the moment.
The celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade through Marine Drive, where fans joined in the festivities. The streets were filled with fans waving flags and cheering for their team, celebrating their hard work and dedication.
Outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid shared a touching moment during the event, recalling a special phone call from Rohit Sharma that convinced him to stay with the team longer. Dravid’s words highlighted the strong camaraderie and respect within the team, which has been key to their success.
Kohli also reminisced about India’s 2011 ODI World Cup win at the same venue, adding to the emotional significance of the occasion. The Wankhede Stadium, which witnessed India’s historic win in 2011, once again became the backdrop for a memorable celebration.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also announced his retirement from T20I cricket. Jadeja’s contributions to the team have been invaluable, and his retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Kohli’s performance in the final was outstanding. His score of 76 off 59 balls earned him the Player of the Final award, capping off a memorable tournament for the cricket legend.
The grand welcome in Mumbai celebrated not just the team’s victory, but also the spirit of cricket that unites millions of fans across the country. The emotional moments shared by Kohli and Rohit, the heartfelt speeches, and the joyous celebrations all contributed to a day that will be remembered for years to come.