The Indian cricket team finally touched down in New Delhi after an arduous 16-hour flight from Barbados, where they had been stranded for three days due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The unexpected weather conditions had disrupted all air travel, compelling the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise a special flight to bring them home. This flight not only accommodated the players and their families but also ensured the safe return of Indian journalists who were covering the event in Barbados.Travelling with the prestigious 🏆 on the way back home! 😍🎥 WATCH: #TeamIndia were in excellent company during their memorable travel day ✈️👌 - By @RajalArora #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0ivb9m9Zp1— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2024Flight Experience and GestureDuring the lengthy flight, reports indicate that the Indian cricketers occupied the Business Class section, while the accompanying journalists were seated in Economy Class. The players preferred privacy, requesting journalists not to take photographs during the journey. However, in a generous gesture, the journalists were permitted to hold and photograph the T20 World Cup trophy, highlighting the camaraderie and respect shared amidst the challenging circumstances.Interactions on BoardDespite the privacy concerns, there were moments of interaction between the players and journalists onboard. Its noted that Indias captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryakumar Yadav, and head coach Rahul Dravid spent time with the journalists in Economy Class, which was appreciated as a gesture of goodwill and unity.Its Finally Come Home#WorldCupTrophy pic.twitter.com/R8P28Uvxok— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) July 4, 2024With T20 world cup trophy.... pic.twitter.com/C6StYoN38w— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) July 4, 2024Ee Sala Cup Namde )#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/hSS1ObPFGl— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) July 4, 2024The Air India special charter flight, named AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup), departed Barbados early Wednesday morning and touched down in Delhi at 6 am (IST) on Thursday, marking the end of their extended journey. Heavy security measures were in place at Indira Gandhi International Airport to manage the enthusiastic crowd of fans who eagerly awaited the teams arrival.Warm Welcome and CelebrationsAwaiting them outside the airport were traditional Bhangra dancers and drummers, creating a festive atmosphere as the players disembarked. Players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rishabh Pant joined in the celebrations, dancing and interacting with the performers and fans alike. Despite their exhaustion, the players were seen cutting a cake and engaging warmly with everyone present.Fan Interactions The scene outside the airport reflected the immense joy and pride of the fans, many of whom had waited overnight just to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes. Emotions ran high as the players acknowledged the crowd with waves, smiles, and gestures of gratitude. Special attention was paid to Suryakumar Yadav, celebrated for his spectacular match-winning catch, and Rishabh Pant, who made a triumphant return after a challenging personal ordeal.
