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The victory parade of the team India that won the T20 World Cup was greeted with an ocean of humanity on Marine Drive in South Mumbai. Thousands of fervent supporters flocked to the scene to see their idols, causing traffic to completely stop.
The open bus procession, which began at 7:30 p.m. at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point and ended at Wankhede Stadium, was delayed by more than two hours.
Normally, it takes five minutes to complete the distance, but it took the players over an hour and a half to really enjoy the evening, drenched not in rain but in pure love from their devoted supporters.
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Being the youngest player in Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s historic side in 2007 must have brought back memories for Rohit Sharma, who, at 37, led his Indian cricket team, the T20 World Champions, on a victory parade.
The now-retired Indian T20 captain is the oldest player on the current squad, having “been there and done that” and been a constant over the course of more than fifteen years, despite the faces surrounding him changing.
His thoughts must have wandered back to that September morning in 2007 when Mumbai was just as soaked as it was on this Thursday evening, as the bus made its way through the sea of people.
“Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma” chants – which ask who is the ruler of Mumbai? Rohit Sharma) echoed throughout the streets.
“This (the crowd) indicates that our need to win was comparable to the fans’ desperation. Millions of people have smiled as a result of the victory. Speaking to the supporters within the stadium, Rohit declared, “This is a special team, and this trophy belongs to the nation.”
India, you mean the world to me! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the love.. these are moments that I will never ever forget! Thank you for coming out to celebrate with us, despite the rains! We love you so much! Celebrating with you is why we do what we do! We’re… pic.twitter.com/c18lLrPJ1q
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) July 4, 2024
Then there was Hardik Pandya, who most likely earned organic acceptance following a successful T20 World Cup campaign since he was the first to grab the trophy and display it to the supporters.
TEAM INDIA CELEBRATING WITH THE FANS. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/zc0aCaT5o5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 4, 2024
The once-jeered ‘Mumbai Indian’ became the cheered ‘Indian’ in Mumbai.
The ‘Maximum City’ was ready to demonstrate ‘Maximum Love’ to the vibrant ‘Baroda Bomber’ who has made Mumbai his home.
He sought affirmation and unconditional affection, and Mumbai was finally ready to welcome him once more.
Perhaps those drips from heaven were Mumbai’s collective apologies for being disrespectful to Pandya during the IPL a few months back.
The players soaked up the fervour and sheer joy of a country that adores its cricketers far more than the game itself.
Many fans gathered for Virat Kohli’s glimpse at Victory Parade
‘Bekararon ki Dawa Majrooh Sultanpuri would have written “Ek Nazar, Ek Nazar” for all those who travelled from Virar to Thane, and even from other parts of the country, only to feel the pulse.
A beautiful feeling watching them so happy. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GYaKPMccl0
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 4, 2024
The King did not disappoint. He drew the skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, and Axar Patel to dance to the beats of legendary Nashik Dholwalas at Wankhede shortly after they arrived on the pitch.
Previously, the Indian delegation could only fly from New Delhi at 3:42 p.m., following a breakfast meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had arrived from Barbados in the early hours.
The Wankhede Stadium here was opened to spectators, who filled the stands in minutes to celebrate the team’s championship victory.
After arriving in the city, their plane received the famed ‘Water Salute’ at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2.
The players walked out of the airport after several hours of waiting by fans and reporters.
Meanwhile, as the gates closed amid sporadic rain, high humidity, and confusion, many thousand people remained glued to their seats despite a shortage of provisions for food and water.
The DJ kept spectators entertained with songs of different genres, and at one point it felt like Wankhede was having a rain-dance party, with the stadium’s speakers blasting out Vengaboys’ party smash ‘To Brazil’ and the country’s unofficial sports anthem “Chak de India”.
Wankhede erupted in traditional cries of ‘Sachin… Sachin’, ‘Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma!’, and ‘India… India’.
Also Read: When India Celebrated T20 World Cup 2007 Win With A Bus Parade