Cricket

The Indian cricket team's victory parade in Mumbai was a spectacle to behold, with fans thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Amidst the sea of supporters, one fan's unique vantage point caught the attention of both players and spectators alike.A video has emerged on social media showing the fan perched high atop a tree, overlooking the open-top bus carrying the victorious team. As the bus passed by, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja couldn't help but notice the fan's daring feat. Kohli's surprised reaction was captured on camera, as he pointed out the sight to Jadeja.The fan's determination to get as close as possible to the parade was evident, as he climbed the tree despite the potential risks. His efforts paid off, as he enjoyed a bird's-eye view of the celebration.Similar scenes were witnessed elsewhere along the parade route, with another fan scaling a traffic signal post to get a better view. The parade took hours to cover the short distance to the Wankhede Stadium, where the team was felicitated.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier announced a generous prize money of Rs 125 crore for the players and support staff. This victory marked India's second T20 World Cup triumph, ending a 17-year wait since MS Dhoni's team lifted the trophy in 2007.It also broke an 11-year jinx since India's last ICC trophy win at the 2013 Champions Trophy. This was India's third appearance in an ICC event final in the past year, having lost to Australia in the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.The victory parade was a testament to the immense love and support that the Indian cricket team enjoys from its fans. The players were overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, and the fan who climbed the tree became a symbol of the lengths to which fans will go to celebrate their heroes.

Maharashtra CM Announces Rs 11 Crore Reward for T20 World Cup-Winning Indian Cricket TeamMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a cash reward of Rs 11 crore for the Indian cricket team that triumphed in the T20 World Cup. The announcement was made during a felicitation ceremony held in the central hall of the Vidhan Bhavan (state legislature complex) in Mumbai.Four Mumbai players from the victorious team – captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shivam Dubey – were honored at the event. CM Shinde expressed his elation over the team's victory, particularly highlighting the remarkable catch taken by Suryakumar Yadav in the final match against South Africa.Shinde also acknowledged the contributions of support team members Paras Mhambre and Arun Kanade, who were also felicitated. He commended the Mumbai Police for their effective crowd management during the team's victory parade in south Mumbai on Thursday.The chief minister's announcement of the cash reward is a testament to the state's pride in the team's achievement. The victory has brought immense joy and inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and the entire nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the triumphant Indian T20 World Cup-winning team in New Delhi on Thursday, where star batter Virat Kohli shared his insights on his remarkable performance in the tournament.Kohli, who was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning 76-run knock in the final, had endured a lean patch before the title clash, scoring just 75 runs in the tournament. However, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most, guiding India to victory in Barbados.During his interaction with PM Modi, Kohli expressed his gratitude to head coach Rahul Dravid for his unwavering faith in him, even when his confidence was at its lowest. "I told Rahul Dravid bhai that I hadn't done justice to the team and myself so far," Kohli revealed. "But he told me that when the opportunity arrives, I am sure you will perform."Kohli admitted that he lacked confidence before the final, but a blistering start with three boundaries in the first over gave him a much-needed boost. "I told Rohit [Sharma] that I don't have enough confidence," he said. "But when I got those boundaries, I felt like something was happening."With India losing early wickets in the final, Kohli's focus shifted to surrendering himself to the team's cause. "My only focus was to surrender myself to the team and focus on what's best for the team," he said. "I felt that I was thrown into the situation. It's hard to explain the feeling. Some things are bound to happen."Kohli's match-winning knock was a fitting end to a tournament that had been a rollercoaster of emotions for him. "It was a fairytale end for me in the tournament," he said. "Especially with the way I batted after India had lost early wickets."Despite his retirement from T20I cricket, Kohli emphasized that he will continue to play the longer formats. "I am still hungry to play for India in Tests and ODIs," he said. "I want to contribute to the team's success in any way I can."

Virat Kohli Celebrates T20 World Cup Triumph with Family, India Receives Hero's WelcomeStar Indian batter Virat Kohli celebrated the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph with his family at hotel ITC Maurya in Delhi after the Indian cricket team touchdown in the country in the early hours of Thursday. The Men in Blue received a hero's welcome from enthusiastic fans who thronged the airport, eager to catch a glimpse of their champions. The entire team was greeted with loud cheers outside the team hotel, where some members even danced to the beats of dhols after disembarking from the team bus at the hotel.Local boy Kohli, who was the star of the final, celebrated the victory with his family as his sister Bhawna and brother Vikas arrived at the hotel to meet the champion. Kohli, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the final for his match-winning knock of 76 off 59 balls, had much to celebrate. Heading into the final, the 35-year-old had not been in the best of forms, having scored just 75 runs in the first seven matches.However, opening the innings for the first time in the tournament's history, Kohli rose to the occasion when the team needed him most. With India reeling at 34/3 in 4.3 overs, Kohli performed at his vintage best, guiding the team to a competitive total of 176/7 in their 20 overs.South Africa, in reply, appeared to be cruising towards victory, needing just 30 runs off the last five overs. However, the Indian seamers turned the game on its head with their tight bowling, ultimately securing a seven-run victory and clinching their second T20 World Cup trophy.The celebrations will continue with a special meet-up scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 am on Thursday. Following the meeting, the team will depart for Mumbai, where BCCI has arranged a 1 km victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede for fans to get an up-close glimpse of their stars with the World Cup trophy. Afterwards, the winning team will also be felicitated at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Triumphant Moment at T20 World Cup 2024 Victory ParadeMumbai witnessed an unforgettable spectacle on Thursday as the Indian cricket team celebrated their historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory with a grand parade. The highlight of the event was a heartwarming moment between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who shared the T20 World Cup trophy, drawing thunderous applause from the massive crowd.After India's triumph over South Africa in the final, both Rohit and Virat announced their retirement from T20I cricket. The victory parade saw the team members atop an open-air bus, traversing from Marine Drive to the iconic Wankhede Stadium. As the bus approached the stadium, Virat and Rohit stepped forward and jointly lifted the coveted trophy, a gesture that evoked immense emotion among the fans.The victory parade drew an unprecedented crowd, causing traffic snarls in South Mumbai. People from all corners of the city flocked to Marine Drive to witness the triumphant team. Trains and stations were packed as fans made their way to the parade route.The atmosphere was electric as the crowd chanted patriotic slogans and waved the Tricolour. The streets were adorned with blue jerseys, reflecting the team's colors. The parade was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, which culminated in bringing home the T20 World Cup after a decade-long wait.The moment between Rohit and Virat was particularly poignant, as it marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Both players have been instrumental in India's success over the years, and their joint celebration of the trophy was a fitting tribute to their illustrious careers.The victory parade was a grand celebration of India's cricketing triumph. It was a moment of pride and joy for the fans, who witnessed the team's hard-fought victory and the heartwarming camaraderie between two of India's greatest cricketers.

Rohit Sharma's Reverence for the T20 World Cup TrophyWinning the World Cup is a pinnacle achievement for any athlete, and Indian captain Rohit Sharma embodies the profound significance of this triumph. A viral video captured Rohit's tender care for the T20 World Cup trophy, as he meticulously wiped it with a tissue paper, expressing his deep appreciation for the prestigious award.This gesture stands in stark contrast to the actions of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who drew criticism after resting his feet on the ODI World Cup trophy last year. Rohit's reverence for the trophy reflects his understanding of its symbolic value and the immense pride it represents for the Indian nation.The Indian team, led by Rohit, arrived in Delhi on Thursday after a triumphant victory over South Africa in the final. They were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breakfast at his residence, followed by a grand victory parade in Mumbai.The Wankhede Stadium was packed with enthusiastic fans eager to celebrate the team's historic achievement. Rohit's leadership and the team's collective effort have brought immense joy and pride to the Indian people.

The Indian cricket team's tour of Zimbabwe has presented a golden opportunity for promising young talents to showcase their skills on the international stage. Among the notable inclusions are all-rounders Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag, along with pacer Tushar Deshpande, who have received their maiden call-ups to the national team.Abhishek Sharma, a 22-year-old batting all-rounder from Punjab, had a breakthrough season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, amassing 484 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 204.21, including a remarkable 42 sixes. His explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling have earned him recognition, and he will be eager to translate his domestic success to the international arena."I received a call from Gill after the selection, I felt very good. When I went home, I saw that before my interview, my parents were giving interviews. That is the one moment I would cherish for the rest of my life. I felt proud. Ever since I started from day one, I had the dream of playing for India. I knew if I kept working hard I would get an opportunity but did not know I would go outside India, to Zimbabwe. This feels like a reunion," said Abhishek.Tushar Deshpande has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket. Known for his ability to extract bounce and movement off the pitch, Deshpande will be looking to make an impact with his pace and accuracy in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe."The firsts are always special as we all say, same for me because playing for the country is very special. Travelling with the team, and getting to know them is important. The fun we have during travels is also important," the pacer asserted.21-year-old Riyan Parag has been a consistent performer in the IPL, emerging as the third-highest run-getter in the 2024 edition with 573 runs in 16 matches, including four half-centuries."Ever since I was a kid, it was a dream to travel like this. Though we play matches, but traveling, wearing Indian clothes, is a dream. It is a new team, almost, a lot of new and old faces. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of it. There will be a special connection with Zimbabwe," added Parag.The inclusion of these talented players in the Indian squad reflects the team management's commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent. The tour of Zimbabwe will provide them with a valuable opportunity to gain international experience and showcase their abilities on a global stage.

The triumphant Indian cricket team's departure from Barbados has been delayed due to the absence of their charter flight. The Air India special charter flight, designated as AIC24WC, was scheduled to transport the squad, support staff, family members, and media personnel back to India after their historic T20 World Cup victory. However, the flight has yet to arrive in Barbados.The Rohit Sharma-led team secured the title with a thrilling seven-run triumph over South Africa in the final on June 29. The flight, which departed from New Jersey, USA on July 2, was initially expected to land in Barbados around 2 a.m. local time. However, the flight's arrival has been postponed, and it is now scheduled to depart from Barbados at 4:30 a.m. (local time).The Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados resumed operations on July 2 after being closed due to Hurricane Beryl. The Indian team was originally scheduled to leave around 6 p.m. local time on July 2 and arrive in Delhi at 7.45 p.m. (IST) on July 3. However, the delays have pushed back their arrival time to 6 a.m. (IST) on July 4, assuming there are no further setbacks.The players are eagerly awaiting their return to India, where they will be felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The schedule for this event has not yet been finalized. Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl has weakened to a Category 4 storm and is moving towards Jamaica.

Riyan Parag's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a call-up to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Parag, who was the third-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 573 runs in 16 matches, had expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the T20 World Cup, which India won after defeating South Africa in the final.Despite his disappointment, Parag has remained focused on his cricket and has been rewarded with a place in the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe series. Former India pacer S Sreesanth has criticized Parag for his earlier remarks, stating that young players should prioritize patriotism and support the team regardless of their selection.Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The team traveled to Zimbabwe right after the T20 World Cup 2024, where they will play five T20I encounters between July 6-14.India's squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe:* Shubman Gill (Captain)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Ruturaj Gaikwad* Abhishek Sharma* Rinku Singh* Sanju Samson* Dhruv Jurel* Nitish Reddy* Riyan Parag* Washington Sundar* Ravi Bishnoi* Avesh Khan* Khaleel Ahmed* Mukesh Kumar* Tushar Deshpande