With a crushing victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian cricket team has added another feather to its historic cap. The squad previously experienced their moment of glory when they triumphed in the tournament’s first iteration in South Africa in 2007. The Men in Blue have also won the 50-over Champions Trophy in 2013 and two trophies from the ODI World Cup, among other ICC competitions. These were won in 1983 and 2011.
The first time the Indian team won the World Cup, Kapil Dev’s side went to England as the underdog. The victorious squad was treated to a rapturous reception upon their return by the then-Honorable Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. They had to wait 24 years after their victory over bitter rivals Pakistan in the 2007 ICC final to win another trophy. After the disastrous elimination from the ODI World Cup in the West Indies earlier that year, the entire country had erupted in celebration.
Because it was won at home, the 2011 triumph held even greater significance for the players and supporters. When India’s captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, struck that famous six into the crowd on the finals night at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the country was erupted into a festival. The streets were crowded with fervent supporters who celebrated the victory as though they had participated in the tournament themselves.
The supporters can’t wait to see the much-anticipated trophy displayed in celebration as Rohit Sharma and company have announced their victory convoy from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium. Since another Sea of Blue is predicted to appear alongside the Arabian Sea on July 4, Mumbaikars would surely clog Marine Drive.
Enough said. Watch this brief video to relive the key moments from each World Cup that the Indian team won.
India
