Barbados to Wankhede via New Delhi: Team India finally leaves for home, but what next?

Rohit Sharna-led Team India has finally boarded their flight back to Delhi from Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport on Wednesday after a successful T20 World Cup campaign. Their return was delayed after they got stranded in the Caribbean due to a category 4 hurricane. The Air India chartered flight carrying the world champions is reportedly expected to touch down in New Delhi on Thursday at approximately 6:20 am (IST). 

The special Air India charter flight, designated AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup) took off around 4:50 am local time, news reports said. The flight carries the Indian players, their families, support staff, board officials, and Indian journalists who were stranded in the Caribbean following the tournament.

READ HERE | Confirmed! Team India leaves Barbados on Air India chartered flight

However, what will happen once the victorious Team India is back in their motherland? Will there be an iconic victory parade like in 2007 when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men received the roars of affection for about 25 kilometers? Will the Prime Minister meet them in person? Here are five things you need to know about the return of Rohit Sharma and men.

1. The flight carrying the team is expected to land at Delhi airport by 6 am. They will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 am at his residence before catching a plane to Mumbai, news agency PTI said.

2. A ceremony has been organised for the victors at Mumbai. There will be an open bus road show from Nariman Point which will cover the Marine Drive before culminating at the Wankhede Stadium.

3. BCCI secretary Shah welcomed all fans to join the victory parade on Thursday evening. "Join us for the Victory Parade honouring Team India's World Cup win! Head to Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium on July 4th from 5:00 pm onwards to celebrate with us! Save the date! #TeamIndia," Shah wrote on 'X', formerly Twitter.

Victorious India captain Rohit Sharma also took to social media to welcome the fans. "We want to enjoy this special moment with all of you. So let's celebrate this win with a victory parade at Marine Drive & Wankhede on July 4th from 5:00pm onwards. It's coming home," Rohit posted on 'X'.

4. A felicitation event at the Wankhede Stadium is also planned for the members of the Indian team. 

5. BCCI office-bearers will be in attendance at this event, it has been reported.