Team India's homecoming delayed further, T20 World Champions to land in New Delhi on Thursday morning

India's players celebrate with the winners' trophy after winning against South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final cricket match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, Saturday, June 29, 2024. AP/PTI

The victorious Indian cricket team, having clinched the T20 World Cup, is preparing to return home from Barbados. Reports indicate their scheduled arrival in Delhi on Thursday morning (IST).

Originally planned to depart from Barbados on Monday at 11 AM local time (8:30 PM IST), their travel arrangements were disrupted due to Hurricane Beryl. This powerful storm led to airport closures and business shutdowns, leaving the team stranded in Barbados for the past two days.

The situation has worsened with Hurricane Beryl intensifying into an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm recently. Authorities have issued warnings about life-threatening winds and the potential for a hazardous storm surge.

According to the latest update from the US National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Beryl, which upgraded to Category 4 on Monday, has further strengthened to Category 5 after hitting the Windward Islands and moving towards Jamaica.

Initially categorized as a Category 4 hurricane on Monday, Hurricane Beryl brought severe winds and stormy conditions that affected Barbados and nearby islands. Ensuring the team's safe return has become a top priority amid these challenging circumstances.

#TeamIndiapic.twitter.com/Pxx4KGASb8

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 3, 2024

Despite the delayed return caused by the hurricane's adversity, India eagerly awaits the homecoming of their cricket team, celebrating their monumental T20 World Cup victory with great national pride.

Their resilience and determination on the cricket field have been mirrored by their patience and adaptability in facing unforeseen challenges off the field. Consequently, the nation eagerly anticipates their arrival, prepared to honour their extraordinary achievement and warmly welcome them back.