Friday, June 19, 2015
2015 IPL champs celebrate victory with fans
On returning to Mumbai after reclaiming the Indian Premier League Trophy in style, the Mumbai Indians congregated at the Wankhede Stadium and thanked their fans for their relentless backing, especially through the poor phase early on in the 2015 season.
In front of a few thousand people who had gathered at the team’s home venue to join in the celebrations, the Rohit Sharma-led side took a victory lap along with coach Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, team owners Nita Ambani and her son Akash Ambani, and the support staff.
Addressing the gathering from the podium on Monday evening, Mrs Ambani thanked the Mumbaikars for their overwhelming support while saying, “The Mumbai Indians are the world to me.”
“Go east, go west, but Mumbai is the best.” She specially thanked the children from Education For All program who have been cheering for the team throughout.
Team Mentor, the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, welcomed the crowd and thanked them in the local language Marathi, even as chants of ‘Sachin, Sachin’ emanated from the stands. “Namaskar Mumbai!” he said while going on to add, “Your support is invaluable to us. We have been able to do this (win the trophy) because of your support. We are glad to be able to share this with you. Thank you!”
Speaking about the team’s journey and his part in it, he said, “I enjoy as long as I am on the cricket field. The team didn’t start off too well. But challenging moments show true the character of any side. It is a credit to the entire team, the support staff, the owners and everyone involved with the team, and also the fans, for having the patience.”
Expressing his appreciation for the people of Mumbai and their unfailing support, skipper Rohit Sharma said, “The support through the IPL was fantastic and I request all to come and support us in the future too, like you have been doing throughout. It wouldn’t have been possible without your support; this title belongs to all of you. I would like to thank all the supporters of MI, wherever they are. Most importantly, a big thank you to all who are standing right here.”
Coach Ponting, Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard too hailed the crowd for their unwavering faith in the side and turning out in huge numbers for their home team. The overseas players too mentioned that the affection from the crowd had made them feel at home.
Among chants of ‘Bhajji, Bhajji’, senior off-spinner and former MI captain Harbhajan Singh said, “I have become more of a Mumbaiwala than a Punjabi now. Thank you for the support all the way and thank you for your love.”
Kumble, too echoed the same feelings as those who spoke before him and stated, “Absolutely amazing crowd! The unconditional backing for the team has been great and that’s why we are here today. It was tough initially, like it was also in 2013. In 2013 and again in 2014, we were in a similar position and it seems to have become a habit. But as long as it ends in the right way it is fine.”
Akash Ambani, who had taken over the reins of the team from his mother at the start of the season, too thanked the crowd and said, “It couldn’t have been a better first season (at the helm of affairs). Look forward to many more heartaches and sleepless nights if it means winning championships.”
Amongst celebrations, graffiti and fireworks, the entire team present on the podium displayed their prized possession – the Pepsi IPL 2015 Trophy - to their die-hard supporters at the Wankhede Stadium.
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