Cricket Fever in Mumbai: A City's Unwavering Love for the Game

A brief spell of rain was nothing compared to Hurricane Beryl, which had kept the Indian team indoors in Barbados for two days. Nevertheless, not even that could dampen the enthusiasm of Mumbaikars on that Thursday.

Mumbai always comes through. The reception was overwhelming. Rohit Sharma expressed his gratitude on behalf of the team, amidst thunderous applause from the packed Wankhede Stadium crowd eagerly awaiting the arrival of the World Cup champions since 3 pm. Due to delays, the players, honored by the Prime Minister in New Delhi, reached the ground only by 8 pm.

Around 35,000 spectators filled the stadium, with many more outside unable to enter. Hundreds of thousands lined up along Marine Drive to witness the victorious team parade on an open-top bus, creating a sea of people that seemed to rival the nearby Arabian Sea.

Fans, who once criticized Hardik Pandya for replacing Rohit as Mumbai Indians' skipper, now cheered for him wholeheartedly. Rohit praised Pandya for his crucial final over in the South Africa match, prompting the crowd to erupt in support. The animosity appeared to have dissipated, replaced by a newfound admiration for Pandya among Mumbai supporters.

Thursday provided an occasion for jubilation, and Mumbai seized it, enduring hours of waiting and braving the inclement weather. Cricket runs deep in the veins of the common man here, transforming from an elitist pursuit to a mass obsession over the decades.

Mumbai's love for the game is evident everywhere, with cricket grounds scattered across the city like Shivaji Park, Gymkhanas, Azad Maidan, Oval, and Cross Maidan. The sport thrives day and night, reflecting the city's unyielding bond with cricket.

Rahul Dravid encapsulated the city's passion for cricket, expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support. The event was a humble affair, lacking the glitz and glamour typically associated with Bollywood-related celebrations.