Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner from India’s triumphant T20 World Cup squad, received a warm felicitation from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday. Despite not playing a single match in India’s unbeaten journey to the championship, Chahal was honored with a shawl and an idol by the Chief Minister, who lauded his contribution to the team’s success.

India, under the leadership of captain Virat Kohli, clinched their maiden T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final held in Barbados. The victory marked the end of India’s 13-year-long drought in ICC World Cups, sparking jubilation across the nation.

Following their return to New Delhi last week, the victorious team was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence. The players, accompanied by coach Rahul Dravid, shared moments of pride and joy with the Prime Minister before embarking on further celebrations.

In Mumbai, the team embarked on a triumphant open bus parade from Marine Drive to the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Thousands of enthusiastic fans lined the streets, cheering and celebrating the team’s historic achievement. The atmosphere was electric as the players danced to traditional dhol beats upon their arrival at Wankhede Stadium.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honored the players with a prize money of Rs 125 crore, recognizing their exceptional performance throughout the tournament. The celebrations culminated in a memorable event at Wankhede Stadium, where the players were lauded for their dedication and commitment to bringing glory to the nation.

India’s T20 World Cup triumph not only showcased their cricketing prowess but also united the country in celebration, reinforcing the sport’s status as a unifying force in the nation’s collective consciousness.