South Mumbai witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of jubilation on Thursday as thousands of ecstatic fans gathered at Marine Drive to celebrate Team India’s T20 World Cup triumph. The victory parade drew an estimated 300,000 supporters eager to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes.
To manage the massive crowd, the Mumbai police deployed around 5,000 personnel across Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium. Despite their efforts, several fans faced difficulties amidst the overwhelming turnout.
Injuries and Health Issues Amidst the Celebrations
The joyous occasion was unfortunately marred by incidents of injuries and health issues. According to Mumbai police, ten people were rushed to the nearest government hospital, including one fan who sustained a fracture and another who experienced breathing problems.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Chaotic Celebration
Ravi Solanki, an eyewitness, shared his experience with news agency ANI: “I was coming from the office and came to know that the Indian team would reach here between 5 pm-6 pm, which did not happen. The crowd progressively swelled. The police were not managing the situation. People suddenly started shouting, after which some people fell on each other. It was very unorganised. There was nobody to manage. The incident happened between 8.15-8.45 pm.”
Grand Felicitation at Wankhede Stadium
The roadshow, stretching from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium, culminated in a grand felicitation ceremony organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Maharashtra Cricket Association allowed free entry, resulting in an influx of 40,000 fans at the stadium. During the event, India’s captain Rohit Sharma dedicated the T20 World Cup victory to the entire nation.
“The reception we’ve got here reflects the immense enthusiasm and anticipation people had. This trophy is for the entire nation. It belongs to all the players who have represented the country and the fans who have been yearning for this moment,” Rohit Sharma said.
“Mumbai never disappoints when it comes to celebrating victories. Bringing this trophy back to Wankhede feels incredibly special. The fans have waited 13 years for a World Cup triumph, and finally, it’s here. I’m very happy and relieved,” he added.
India’s Historic Victory in Barbados
India’s victory over South Africa in the final was unforgettable. Choosing to bat first, India posted a challenging total of 176/7 in 20 overs, spearheaded by Virat Kohli’s brilliant 76 off 59 balls. Despite South Africa’s determined effort, they fell short, finishing at 169/8 in their 20 overs. Hardik Pandya’s remarkable performance (3/20) in the final over sealed India’s win by successfully defending 15 runs.
This victory ended India’s 11-year International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy drought, their last major title being the Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. The Men in Blue displayed remarkable composure to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, igniting a wave of jubilation across the nation.
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