On this day in 2024, the Men in Blue returned victorious after crushing South Africa in a high-voltage final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. It was a euphoric moment for the fans and the entire nation as the Indian team finally managed to end their title drought by securing their first ICC World Cup title in 13 years. 

After being crowned as the T20 World Cup champions on June 29, the team was destined to touch down in Mumbai. Once the news about the Indian team's arrival broke out, preparations were underway in full swing as the fans gathered around in anticipation to welcome their World Cup heroes in Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive. As it turned out, the event turned out to be quite a spectacle as fans in colossal numbers turned up to surround the Indian cricket team during their victory (bus) parade.

See also: T20 World Cup winning team members to be honored in Maharashtra State Assembly

Victory parade show in Marine Drive

THIS HAPPENED "OTD" LAST YEAR AT THE MARINE DRIVE IN MUMBAI. 🥶🇮🇳

- One of the Most Iconic in Sporting History..!!! pic.twitter.com/5TAXjPuwBC

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 4, 2025

The Indian cricketers were greeted very generously as soon as they touched down on Indian soil. To treasure this historic moment and to celebrate the Indian team's success, a victory parade event was planned along the famous Marine Drive from Nariman Point to the Wankhede Stadium. A sea of Indian fans in blue emerged along one of Mumbai's most iconic destinations.  

The event kicked off following the Indian team's arrival around 4:30 PM local time. With the Indian team out in their bus, it took them no time to get surrounded by an army of passionate Indian fans. Fans from all walks of life jostled to capture a frame with the Indian team. Key icons of Indian cricket, namely Rohit Sharma, Rishab Pant, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, were seen posing with the World Cup silverware on the upper deck of the bus. 

Approximately 300,000 fans lined Marine Drive, bringing traffic to a standstill and creating an electrifying yet chaotic celebration on that day. Quite understandably, the mood was very joyful and festive. With this achievement, the Indian cricket team managed to bolster India's reputation on the global stage. India's T20 World Cup victory parade was an extraordinary spectacle that captured the nation's passion and pride. 

On June 29, 2024, Indian Cricket recorded one of the most glorious moments in its cricketing chapter. For the first time since 2007, India were crowned winners of the 2024 T20 World Cup that was jointly held by the United States (US) and the Caribbean nations. The Blues endured a memorable run and remained unbeaten throughout the entirety of the tournament to thump South Africa in a high-voltage final. 

At present, the Indian cricket team is in the UK to compete in a five-match test series against England. Amidst their busy schedule, team India took some time out to relive the unforgettable moment. Ahead of the second Test in Birmingham, the Indian Test team took a pause to celebrate the first anniversary of their triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. 

The team gathered around in a local restaurant in Birmingham, which featured some of the heroes from the final, such as Jadeja and Arshadeep. Two massive cakes were brought forward and placed on the table. One had the following inscription "Team India", while the other bore the words "Champions T20 WC 2024". Bumrah led from the front by doing the initial honors. After slicing the cake, the pieces were distributed to the rest of the players, who were gleefully seen feasting on it.  

See also: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma shares emotional video to commemorate India's glorious T20 WC title win

Watch the video:

In Birmingham, bringing in one-year anniversary of #TeamIndia's T20 World Cup 🏆 Triumph!

Core memory 🥹 pic.twitter.com/FUUjbKdnHN

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 29, 2025

The mood was light and festive. Despite suffering a demoralizing defeat in the Headingly Test, the players were seen having a light moment. This informal gathering was not merely a celebration of a trophy; it served as a reminder of the progress this group has made.

After enduring years of heartbreaks in the knockout stages of the ICC events, India eventually overcame the jinx in 2024, securing the silverware that had been out of reach for more than ten years. This moment was particularly gratifying for a generation of players who had borne the burden of expectation and disappointment throughout numerous campaigns.

As the dust settles on India's T20 World Cup anniversary, the attention now shifts to the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series, with the visitors currently trailing by 0-1. It remains to be seen whether this spirited reunion can give the team a much-needed spark to roll back the Bazball-led England in the upcoming Edgbaston Test. 

June 29, 2024, is a day that will be etched in the minds and hearts of every ardent Indian cricket fan. On this day, India lifted the T20 World Cup trophy for the first time since 2007 by beating South Africa in an epic thriller. In a showdown where it all seemed to be getting out of hand, Rohit Shama & Co. scripted a miraculous comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Years of sorrow and heartbreak were finally put to rest as India clinched their maiden ICC title since 2013. 

To relive this glorious moment, the former Indian skipper posted a heartwarming video on his Twitter (Now X) account that has instantly won many hearts. Rohit himself was the center of attraction in that video, where he was heard saying that he was proud to have achieved something special. Besides, sporadic visuals of other cricketing icons such as Kohli, Axar, and Bumrah also surfaced from the video. 

See also: WATCH: Rohit Sharma spotted vacationing in Italy with wife Ritika Sajdeh amid India vs England Test series

Watch the video:

Instagram post of Captain Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma tried his best to include everyone in the video, but saar saar he is insecure.

pic.twitter.com/6bYlTq0PwC

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) June 29, 2025

India managed to remain unbeaten in that tournament and won all their games, including the final against South Africa. It was a terrific turnaround for the Men in Blue and a massive moment for the country. Not long ago, India faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 in their backyard. But Rohit's 'never-back-down' attitude helped India rise from the ashes and quash the knockout jinx once and for all.

India and South Africa locked horns in a high-voltage final in Bridgetown, Barbados. Both teams entered the final on the back of an unbeaten winning streak. The epic final saw a lot of fascinating moments. From Kohli's crucial fifty (albeit at a slower rate) to Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning catch, the match had everyone on the edge of their seats. 

Moreover, Bumrah's match-defining over, where he picked up two crucial wickets inside an over, probably proved to be a turning point in the game. With only 30 runs needed in the final five overs, no one would have anticipated India to make such a daring comeback. Bumrah emerged as a true hero in such a dire time and concluded the tournament as the highest wicket-taker maintaining an economy rate of less than 4.5 RPO.

The year 2024 will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of Indian cricket fans. It's been a year of accomplishments and significant milestones for India. The Indian cricket team punched way above their weight and gave its fans countless memories to cherish. From winning the World Cup to scripting record-shattering performances, the year 2024 has been a year of domination from the Men in Blue.

As the year draws to a close, let's rewind the clock for a brief moment to revisit some of India's glorious cricketing moments from 2024. 

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T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean

Perhaps the most cherished memory of them all is India's emphatic T20 World Cup win in the West Indies. India remained unbeaten in all the games and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in one of the most unbelievable manner to defeat South Africa in the final. After narrowly missing out on the ODI World Cup last year, all that the Men in Blue were aspiring for was to bring the World Cup back home, and they did so with flying colours. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the player of the tournament and finished as the highest wicket-taker. He delivered a number of match-winning performances throughout the course of the tournament and will often be remembered for his performances against South Africa and Pakistan which India were destined to lose at one stage.

4-1 hammering to England at home

This series win will go into the record books as one of the most convincing Test series win for India. After crashing out in the first Test in Hyderabad, India staged a comeback from behind and went the next four Test matches to seal the series 4-1. India were up against a battle-hardened "Bazzball" inspired English team and turning the tide after a heavy defeat in Hyderabad was never going to be an easy affair. That series saw the birth of two superstars - Dhurv Jurel & Akash Deep. Jurel played a crucial innings on a turning track to see India home and help them clinch the series in the Ranchi Test. Akash Deep was an extraordinary find with the ball and delivered an inspiring performance on his debut to help India win the last Test of the series.

Record-breaking home series against Bangladesh

In this series, the Indian top-order batters put on an exhibition of brute force and insane hitting. The memories of the Kanpur Test fill the fans with unparalleled joy as India made a game out of it and even went on to win that match in less than two days. After restricting Bangladesh to 233, Indian openers went on a rampage and smashed the record for scoring the fastest team 50,100,150, 250 & 250 in Test cricket. It took them just a little over a session to post 285 runs. Bangladesh were weakened after sustaining such an onslaught and later capitulated for 146 in the second innings giving India a paltry target of 96 runs. More records were broken in the T20I series when India blasted their way to a record 297 posting the highest-ever T20I score of all-time by a full-member nation. 

A smashing 4-1 T20I series win against South Africa 

The bilateral T20I series between South Africa and India came to a dramatic close with India winning it handsomely by 4-1. A number of records were broken during the course of the fourth match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday. From posting the highest total against South Africa (283) to an awe-inspiring partnership between Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, India had stung South Africa like never before. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma posted the highest-ever partnership of 210 runs for India for any wicket in T20Is. Besides, Samson in 2024 became the first player ever to score three T20I hundreds in a calendar year. In addition, Tilak Varma also hogged the limelight in that series and became the second Indian to score back-to-back centuries in T20Is

India's massive 295-run win against Australia in Perth

India's record-breaking win in the Perth Test has been the only memory that has been worth cherishing in what has so far been a dismal Test series for India. Leading into the Border Gavaskar Trophy series (2024-25) after a demoralizing series whitewash against the Black Caps at home, this 295-run win gave India a tremendous lift at the start of the series. This was also one of their biggest win against Australia in Test cricket in terms of runs margin. India were without the services of their ace batter Rohit Sharma and the captaincy baton was passed on to Jaspirt Bumrah who had very limited experience in captaincy. After being bowled out for 150, Bumrah led the pace attack from the front and bagged a magnificent five-for to derail Australia for 104. Then Jaiswal and Rahul mounted a serious assault on the Aussie bowlers and on the back of a massive 201-run opening stand, India were able to set a near-impossible target of 534 runs and effectively bat Australia out of the game.

India’s cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement as the Men in Blue returned home victorious from the T20 World Cup. Adding to the jubilation, team Indian wear a special jersey designed to commemorate this monumental achievement. This new jersey not only marks their recent victory but also bridges a glorious past with a promising future.

India’s journey to the Title

The road to the T20 World Cup final was nothing short of spectacular. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, showcased exceptional skill and determination. Key moments included breathtaking performances from Suryakumar Yadav and decisive captaincy from Rohit Sharma. Each match was a testament to the team’s perseverance and strategy, culminating in a thrilling final against South Africa.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Catches by SKY and Axar included in ICC’s best catches for the tournament

The Homecoming

The victorious squad’s return to India were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The team arrived at New Delhi airport on a specially-arranged charter flight, greeted by thousands of jubilant fans.

As the team emerged from the arrivals area, they were met with deafening cheers and chants of “India, India.” The players, adorned with their gold medals, waved and smiled at the adoring crowd. The airport scene was a vibrant mix of national pride and personal joy as fans celebrated their champions.

Unveiling the Special Jersey

In the midst of this celebration, Sanju Samson shared the first glimpse of a special jersey on Instagram. This new jersey features a significant update: a second star above the BCCI logo, symbolizing India’s second T20 World Cup win. The word “champions” is boldly emblazoned across the front, serving as a proud reminder of their hard-fought victory.

Significance of the second star

The addition of the second star is deeply symbolic. It pays homage to India’s first T20 World Cup triumph under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007. This design choice connects the past and present, reflecting a legacy of triumph and resilience. It’s a nod to the journey the team has undergone and the milestones they’ve achieved along the way.

Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

After their grand welcome, the team headed to the ITC Maurya Hotel for a brief rest. Special arrangements had been made to ensure their comfort and to prepare them for their next big event: a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Post the meeting, the team was scheduled to board a special flight to Mumbai. Their arrival in Mumbai was eagerly anticipated, with fans ready to continue the celebrations.

Victory parade in Mumbai

In Mumbai, the BCCI had organized a 1 km victory parade from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium. This parade was expected to draw massive crowds, eager to celebrate their cricketing idols. The route was lined with fans, ready to cheer and applaud the champions.

The celebrations would culminate in a grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium. The event included felicitation of the players and support staff, speeches, and a display of the T20 World Cup trophy. It was a fitting end to a day of celebrations.