Mumbai’s Monsoon Welcome for T20 World Cup Champions

As the monsoon arrived in Mumbai on Thursday evening (July 4), light showers sporadically drizzled across the city. However, the weather could not deter the Mumbaikars, who gathered in the thousands to greet their cricket heroes returning with the T20 World Cup.

Despite the rain, the excitement in Mumbai was palpable, unlike the Hurricane Beryl that had confined the Indian team to their hotel rooms for two days in Barbados. Not even that could have dampened the spirits of the Mumbaikars.

"Mumbai never disappoints. We received an incredible reception. On behalf of the team, I want to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved," said Rohit Sharma amid the thunderous cheers of the packed Wankhede Stadium crowd, who had been waiting since 3 pm to welcome the World Cup champions. The players, previously felicitated by the Prime Minister in New Delhi, arrived at the stadium around 8 pm.

Approximately 35,000 fans filled the stadium, with just as many outside unable to get in. Marine Drive was teeming with people, celebrating the triumphant World Cup team paraded in an open-top bus, forming a sea of humanity that rivalled the Arabian Sea.

Not long ago, these fans were critical of Hardik Pandya for replacing Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians' captain. They booed him and called him names. However, when Rohit mentioned Pandya, who bowled the crucial final over against South Africa in the final, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Hats off to him for bowling that last over. No matter how many runs are needed, there's always immense pressure in that situation. Hats off to him," Rohit said about Pandya's last over, where he defended 15 runs. The Wankhede crowd chanted "Hardik, Hardik" as Pandya acknowledged their appreciation, indicating a new-found admiration between the Mumbai crowd and Pandya.

Thursday was a day of celebration, and Mumbai did not disappoint. Despite waiting over six hours and enduring the weather, the fans' patience and energy were unwavering. Cricket is deeply woven into the city's fabric, transforming from an elitist sport introduced by British rulers into a mass sport beloved by the public.

From the 60s and 70s, when players like the Merchants, Manjrekars, Umrigars, and Wadekars played, the game attracted unprecedented numbers of fans. By the 70s, Sunil Gavaskar became India's first official cricketing icon. Mumbai's own Sachin Tendulkar achieved legendary status, culminating in winning the ODI World Cup at the Wankhede in 2011, where he was celebrated by his teammates.

Mumbai reveres cricket, seamlessly integrating it into the city's daily life. As one navigates through the city's narrow corridors, countless cricket matches are played at grounds like Shivaji Park, the Gymkhanas, and the Azad, Oval, and Cross Maidans. In Mumbai, cricket is a constant presence.

Rahul Dravid captured the city's passion for cricket, saying, "I'm going to miss this love. What we have seen today is absolutely phenomenal. It is the fans who make cricket the game it is. We are truly indebted to them." Dravid, set to leave the Indian team, also spoke of a phone call from Rohit Sharma that convinced him to stay on until the T20 World Cup after the heartbreak of the 50-over World Cup. "It was the best phone call I have received," Dravid remarked.

The event was simple, devoid of Bollywood's usual glitz and glamour, and apolitical, unlike the massive fan event after India's maiden T20 World Cup win in 2007.

Rohit Sharma, who was part of that 2007 Road Show as a 20-year-old, was asked to draw parallels between the two events. He noted it took a long time for the trophy to return. Virat Kohli echoed this sentiment, saying that as senior team members, he and Rohit were desperate for a global title, which India had not won since 2013. "The fans were more hungry for the silverware than the players," Rohit said, dedicating the trophy to them.