Team India Travel Plans Disrupted by Hurricane Beryl

India clinched the T20 World Cup title for the second time in history, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. However, the team's return plans were disrupted by Hurricane Beryl, leaving them stranded in Barbados.

India's T20 World Cup Triumph

India's return plans were disrupted owing to Hurricane Beryl. Despite the weather challenges, Kensington Oval featured its share of Indian fans who had travelled to Barbados to witness the Rohit Sharma-led side win the T20 World Cup trophy for the second time in history, after beating South Africa in the final by seven runs. Those Indians in Barbados cheered for Team India and celebrated their win as well, but for the Men in Blue, their true celebration plan awaits back home in India.

Travel Plans Disrupted

While fans at home eagerly await the return of the newly-crowned champion side, India's return plans were disrupted owing to Hurricane Beryl, as they remain stuck in Barbados. Reports revealed that Hurricane Beryl, originating in the Atlantic, had intensified with maximum sustained winds of 210 kmph. The Category 4 hurricane was about 570 km east-southeast of Barbados, and hence, reports indicated that the airport in Bridgetown would shut in the evening. Based on India's travel plan, the side was slated to take the Emirates flight from New York via Dubai, but a BCCI source told news agency PTI that the team will now travel back home on a charter flight. The Indian contingent roughly consists of 70 members, including support staff, families, and officials.

"The team was supposed to leave from here (Bridgetown) to New York and then reach India via Dubai. But now the plan is to get a charter flight straight from here to Delhi. A meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also being considered," a source said.

The Final Match Highlights

Earlier on Saturday, Virat Kohli, who had a forgettable T20 World Cup campaign in the lead-up to the final, scoring just 75 runs in seven innings, carved out a sensational 59-ball 76 to guide India to 176 for seven. Heinrich Klaasen later threatened to chase down the total single-handedly with his 23-ball fifty, the quickest-ever by a batter in a T20 World Cup final, which reduced the equation to 25 needed off 25. But India bounced back in the death overs with Hardik Pandya picking three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah snared one as the Men in Blue restricted South Africa to 169/8 to lift the trophy they had last won in 2007.

Historical Significance

It was also India's first world title since the 2011 ODI World Cup haul at home and the first ICC title since lifting the Champions Trophy in 2013.

India's victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa not only showcased their cricketing prowess but also reignited national pride and enthusiasm among fans worldwide. Despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl, the team's journey and eventual return home on a charter flight highlighted their resilience and the support they have from the nation. This triumph adds another glorious chapter to India's cricketing history, reminding fans of the memorable wins of 2007, 2011, and 2013.