The Indian squad dressed in their jerseys and made their way through a crowded Wankhede Stadium in an open-bus procession that spanned a kilometer.
Since the afternoon of July 4, 2024, Mumbai has been a hive of activity as people excitedly anticipate the Indian team’s open-top bus procession. It was an incredible sight, as throngs of spectators yelled the team’s name and took pictures and videos of the players on the bus’ upper deck as it made its way slowly along Marine Drive.
But, you would be incorrect if you thought that the festivities had ended or subsided four days after India’s stunning victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The passionate Mumbai crowd did not show any signs of letting up as they greeted the Indian team with great enthusiasm at the airport and during their journey from the Queen’s Necklace to Wankhede Stadium, where they ended their evening.
Thirteen years after that unforgettable night of April 2, 2011, when India finally won their second 50-over World Cup, the atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium was just as passionate, lively, and alive. The enthusiasm in the stadium was palpable, and the fact that admission was free for the first 200 people who arrived added to the intensity of the event. The fact that three current mainstays of Indian cricket were there—local hero and team captain Rohit Sharma, star batsman Virat Kohli, and explosive all-rounder Hardik Pandya—added to its relevance.
They were seen fervently dancing to colorful and energetic music in front of the crowded Divecha Pavilion stand, so it wasn’t simply a laid-back get-together. Enthusiastic fans watched the energetic dance performance by all three players with great delight and enthusiasm, all under the watchful eye of a sizable security detail.
As the Indian team enthusiastically joined in, the intensity of the moment increased as they showcased their dance moves with greater zeal and passion to the tune of Chak De India, a song that is dearly loved by every Indian for its stirring lyrics that evoke national pride and energy in the purest sense of devotion.
