Dravid Slept in Economy, Rohit ‘Scolded’: Inside Details of India’s 16-Hour Flight from Barbados to Delhi
Dravid Slept in Economy, Rohit 'Scolded': Inside Details of India's 16-Hour Flight from Barbados to Delhi
Insights from Team India’s triumphant journey home after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup
More details have emerged about what transpired during Team India’s 16-hour flight from Barbados to Delhi after clinching the T20 World Cup. Exactly one month after India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in Barbados to lift the coveted trophy, the story behind their journey back home is still captivating fans.
After 11 years without an ICC title, India finally ended the drought on June 29, 2024. This victory marked the farewell of cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20 internationals. This added more, to the emotional weight of the moment. As the nation awaited the return of their heroes, the team faced an unexpected delay due to Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 natural disaster that grounded flights and shut down Bridgetown for two days.
Thanks to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, a chartered flight was arranged once the airports reopened. The flight, labeled AIC24WC, became one of the most tracked flights in history, carrying the entire Indian contingent and the World Cup trophy. The aircraft landed in Delhi around 6 AM on July 4 to a sea of eagerly waiting fans. Despite jetlag and the early hour, the team had a busy schedule ahead, including a meeting with the Prime Minister and a felicitation ceremony in Mumbai.
A Star Sports producer, who traveled with the team, shared fascinating insights about the in-flight experience. Despite the 16-hour journey, most passengers managed only a few hours of sleep. The atmosphere was lively, with players mingling with the media and each other.
One of the notable incidents involved coach Rahul Dravid. Initially seated in business class, Dravid ventured to the economy section looking for a more comfortable place to sleep. He found a four-seater and dozed off for a while, much to the amusement and surprise of other passengers.
The producer also recalled an amusing moment with Rohit Sharma. At one point, Rohit was heard scolding someone, but in his characteristic playful manner. Throughout the flight, there was constant chatter, with players like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant engaging in discussions with the media.
The flight took off from Barbados at 4:00 AM local time, and upon landing in Delhi, the magnitude of their victory truly sank in. Airport staff greeted the team with applause and cheers, capturing the celebratory mood. The team was ushered through a special exit. Thousands of fans had gathered there, some even chasing the bus as it departed.
The team’s homecoming was a moment of national pride, celebrating not just a World Cup win, but also the end of a long wait for ICC silverware.
