Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on July 4, hosted the Indian T20 World Cup champions at his residence in New Delhi, marking a joyous reunion following their recent triumph.
The mood was starkly different from their last encounter on November 19, 2023, when Team India faced a heartbreaking loss in the ODI World Cup final.
During that somber November meeting, PM Modi had offered solace and encouragement to a despondent team.
Captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli received personal support from the Prime Minister, who sought to lift their spirits after their defeat to Australia in Ahmedabad.
Fast forward to July 2024, the atmosphere was one of celebration.
The Indian cricketers, proudly donning jerseys emblazoned with 'champions,' were welcomed warmly by PM Modi at a private ceremony held at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
The joy and pride were palpable, with the players' smiles reflecting their historic win.
India secured the T20 World Cup for the second time, narrowly defeating South Africa by seven runs in Barbados on June 29. This victory brought immense joy and relief to the team and their supporters.
During the event, the cricketers sat in a circle around PM Modi.
Rohit Sharma was on the Prime Minister's right, while head coach Rahul Dravid was on his left. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya sat next to Rohit, with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah flanking Dravid.
The PM engaged in light-hearted conversations and shared hearty laughter with the players, creating a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
A memorable moment from the ceremony was when PM Modi posed for a photograph with the entire team and the T20 World Cup trophy, symbolising the nation's pride in their achievement.
The victorious team had a busy schedule following their return to India.
They arrived in Delhi to a hero's welcome on Thursday, with fans eagerly awaiting their arrival. After a brief rest at ITC Maurya, the team proceeded to meet PM Modi.
Only the cricketers, coaches, and top BCCI officials attended the meeting with the Prime Minister. Family members stayed back at the hotel.
After the meeting, the players were set to return to the hotel before heading to Mumbai for an open bus parade scheduled for 5 PM.
The journey back to India was not without its challenges. The team, support staff, and media were stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl, which caused the closure of Grantley Adams International Airport for three days.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah organised a flight that departed on July 2, arriving in Delhi early Thursday morning.
The flight also carried board officials and members of the media contingent from the tournament.
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