Dravid left business class, Rohit was scolding...: Titbits from India's Barbados-Delhi flight post T20 WC win

It has been over a month since Rohit Sharma-led India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in West Indies and the USA. In the mega final, India beat South Africa by 7 runs in a thrilling clash at the Kensington Oval, Barbados on June 29. With this, Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure also ended, with Gautam Gambhir succeeding him. After India's win, the team was stranded in Barbados for a couple of days due to Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane had also prompted a 48-hour closure of the airport before BCCI Secretary Jay Shah arranged a Chartered Flight (which comprised the players, team management and even journalists) for a lengthy 16-hour journey to New Delhi.

During the lengthy flight, a Star Sports producer, who was travelling with the team, shared details of what the players were up to. The energy was high as players hardly slept and the producer revealed that Dravid left business class and came to the economy whereas captain Rohit was seen jokingly 'scolding' someone.

As per a report in HT, the producer said, "On this flight, Barbados to Delhi, I think hardly anyone slept for more than six hours. That would have been the maximum. At no point was anyone quiet. Everyone was mingling around. Players came to meet the members of the press and few others. Star Sports engineers were also part of the flight because theirs was cancelled and they were also accommodated. But there was a lot of interaction. Rohit Sharma came several times. I believe at one moment, Rahul Dravid came up to the economy section to figure out if there was a 4-seater because he wanted to sleep. He came there from the business class and slept there for some time."

He further opined, "I remember I was sleeping and I could suddenly hear Rohit scolding somebody. I saw and he was standing right there. But Rohit, in his style was scolding jokingly. After that, Hardik came, Rishabh came and they were all having discussions with the media. So obviously, there was a lot of chatter."

Post meeting the PM, Team India left for Mumbai -- where they were also welcomed with a majestic water cannon salute. In the evening, the triumphant team left from Nariman Point to reach the Wankhede Stadium in an open-top bus parade, along with thousands of ardent fans following them. At the iconic stadium, they were felicitated by the BCCI for the T20 WC win.

India won the T20 WC for the second time, since 2007, and also ended their 13-year-long ICC title drought. At present, the white-ball teams are in Sri Lanka with the three ODIs to kick off on August 2 (Friday). On Tuesday (July 30), the Suryakumar Yadav-led India whitewashed the Lankans in three T20Is.

Post the Dravid-era, India have moved onto a new period under coach Gambhir. While Rohit remains the Test and ODI captain, Surya has succeeded him, post Hitman's T20I retirement, in the shortest format.