New Delhi:

India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa on Saturday not only sparked celebrations across the country but also inspired creative and heartfelt congratulatory messages from various police forces. The team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma and bolstered by Virat Kohli’s match-winning performance, clinched a seven-run victory, marking India’s second world title in the format.

“We all waited 16 years 9 months 5 days (52,70,40,000 seconds) for India to win another #T20WorldCup. Let’s be a little patient at traffic signals too. Good moments are worth the wait. What say? Hearty congratulations, #TeamIndia. #INDvsSA #INDvSA,” the Delhi Police posted. 

We all waited 16 years 9 months 5 days (52,70,40,000 seconds) for India to win another #T20WorldCup

Let’s be a little patient at traffic signals too. Good moments are worth the wait. What say?

Hearty congratulations, #TeamIndia #INDvsSA#INDvSA

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) June 29, 2024

The UP Police showcased their sense of humour with a tweet that likened the Indian bowlers’ performance to a criminal act – albeit a much-loved one. 

“Breaking News: Indian bowlers found guilty of breaking South African hearts. Sentence: Lifelong love from a billion fans! #INDvSAFinal #T20WorldCupFinal,” the UP Police wrote.

: Indian bowlers found guilty of breaking South African hearts.

: Lifelong love from a billion fans! #INDvSAFinal#T20WorldCupFinalpic.twitter.com/UPaCzgf6vm

— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) June 29, 2024

Mumbai Traffic Police joined in the celebration by sharing a photo of Rohit Sharma in a car with the number plate reading “IND 29 June 2024”.

“The Dream Come True Number Plate! #UnStoppables #IndVsSA #WorldChampions,” the Mumbai Traffic Police captioned the photo. 

The Dream Come True Number Plate!#UnStoppables#IndVsSA#WorldChampionspic.twitter.com/xMHfQjsnCc

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) June 29, 2024

The final match was not just about the victory but also about the end of an era. Two of Indian cricket’s all-time greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, announced their retirement from T20 Internationals. Mr Kohli, who was adjudged the player of the match for his sublime 76, was the first to declare his decision. Soon after, Rohit announced his retirement, stating that having achieved what he came for, it was time to step aside.

Celebrations erupted across India as fans took to the streets to rejoice in the historic win. In cities like Jammu, Hyderabad, Patna, and Pune, people were seen hugging, dancing, and waving the tricolour. Chants of ‘India, India’ filled the air as millions celebrated the end of a 13-year wait for a world title.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Cricket Team for bringing the ICC T20 World Cup “home in style”. India beat South Africa in the final by 7 runs. Rohit Sharma and company brought an ICC trophy home after 11 years and India’s first World Cup win since 2011.

CHAMPIONS!

Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE!

We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team.

This match was HISTORIC. pic.twitter.com/HhaKGwwEDt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 29, 2024

“Champions! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in style! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X.

In a video message congratulating the team, PM Modi said the team won the World Cup and also the “hearts of crores of Indians”. No small achievement that it did not lose a single match, he said.

“Congratulations to India for this magnificent win. Today, 140 crore countrymen are proud of your fantastic performance. You won the World Cup and also the hearts of crores of Indians. You didn’t lose even one match; that’s not a small feat. You have achieved a spectacular victory. I congratulate you,” the prime minister said in Hindi.

President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated the Indian team and commended their “never-say-die” spirit. “My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup. With the never-say-die spirit, the team sailed through difficult situations and demonstrated outstanding skills throughout the tournament. It was an extraordinary victory in the final match. Well done, Team India! We are proud of you!,” she said in a post on X.

Congratulations to Team India on a spectacular World Cup Victory and a phenomenal performance throughout the tournament!

Surya, what a brilliant catch! Rohit, this win is a testament to your leadership. Rahul, I know team India will miss your guidance.

The spectacular Men in… pic.twitter.com/lkYlu33egb

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 29, 2024

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi praised team captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership. “Congratulations to Team India on a spectacular World Cup Victory and a phenomenal performance throughout the tournament! Surya, what a brilliant catch! Rohit, this win is a testament to your leadership. Rahul, I know team India will miss your guidance. The spectacular Men in Blue have made our country proud,” he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also shared a message congratulating the team. “What a match! What a catch!”, India ended its 11-year-long ICC trophy drought, winning their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. Congratulations Team India. What a match! What a catch!,” he posted on X.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared messages congratulating the Men In Blue.

Hurrah ! शानदार टीम इंडिया !

भारत ने T-20 वर्ल्ड कप जीतकर इतिहास रच दिया है। यह पूरे देश के लिए बहुत खुशी का मौका है।

सभी देशवासियों और हमारे सभी खिलाड़ियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई।#T20WorldCuppic.twitter.com/YipI67mOh0

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 29, 2024

In a nail-biting final, Team India won the #T20WorldCup after 17 years!

Many Congratulations to the Men in Blue for their impressive display of talent and dedication. Virat Kohli, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh shone through the match. Every Indian is proud of this incredible… pic.twitter.com/lXI8eZFL2n

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 29, 2024

It was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after they had won it in 2007 under the legendary MS Dhoni in South Africa, and first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Star batter Virat Kohli, who was an upcoming cricketer 17 years ago, made his first fifty of this tournament in the final — a classy 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes that carried India to a competitive 176 for seven.

Then the Indian bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (2/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/18), worked their magic as they did throughout this tournament, limiting South Africa to 169 for eight to propel India to their second T20 World Cup.

There were pockets of fight from the Proteas, who were playing in their maiden World Cup final.

Heinrich Klaasen threatened India with a 52 off 27 balls (2×4, 5×6) but Hardik Pandya (3/20) snatched the crucial wicket to bring the game decisively in favour of India.