(BCCI Photo)
The Indian cricket team received a grand reception upon their return from Barbados with the T20 World Cup trophy last week. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team participated in various events, starting with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence. This was followed by an open bus parade through Mumbai, culminating in a felicitation ceremony at a packed Wankhede Stadium, making it a day to remember.
During the ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, the players, led by Virat Kohli, took a lap around the ground as AR Rahman’s “Maa Tujhe Salaam” played in the background. Soon, Kohli and the players joined the enthusiastic fans in singing along to the iconic song released in 1997.
A clip circulating on social media captures the moment when Kohli appears to encourage his India teammates, including captain Rohit Sharma, to join in singing the beloved anthem.
India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados on June 29 by defeating South Africa in the final, marking their first triumph in the competition since 2007. This victory also put an end to India’s 11-year drought for an ICC title, with their last win being the Champions Trophy in 2013.
In recognition of their achievement, the BCCI has awarded the Indian team a substantial cash prize of Rs 125 crore. This amount will be distributed among the entire World Cup-winning contingent, including players, coaches, and support staff.
According to reports, the 15-man squad and head coach Rahul Dravid will receive Rs 5 crore each, while players in the reserve will get Rs 1 crore each. The remainder will be divided among the assistant coaches and support staff.
Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in the final, scoring a match-winning half-century and earning the Player of the Match award. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade.
This victory also marked a significant milestone for captain Rohit Sharma, who secured his first ICC title as captain. In light of this achievement, Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is, although he will continue to lead India in Tests and ODIs.
