'Rahul Dravid slept in economy section' - Unexpected revelations about India's return flight after T20 WC victory

After India's victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, a fascinating story has emerged about the team's return journey from Barbados to New Delhi. The 16-hour flight, delayed by a hurricane, became one of the most tracked flights in history and carried not just the victorious Indian cricket team but also journalists stranded on the island.

India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa ended Men in Blue's ICC trophy drought, bringing joy to millions of fans. The team's return home, however, was postponed due to a hurricane in Barbados.

Recently revealed details of the flight paint a vivid picture of the joyful yet exhausted team. According to an NDTV report, sleep was a rare commodity on board, with no player managing more than six hours of rest.

"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," the producer said as per Hindustan Times.

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Former head coach Rahul Dravid, desperate for some rest, was spotted sleeping in the economy section as per the producer on the flight.

"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 added.

I could suddenly hear Rohit Sharma scolding somebody: Producer

The flight was far from ordinary, with a mix of cricketers, journalists, and even Star Sports engineers who had been accommodated due to their cancelled flight. The atmosphere was lively, with constant interaction and movement throughout the cabin.

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Captain Rohit Sharma, known for his happy nature, was reportedly seen moving on the plane multiple times. In a lighthearted moment, he was overheard playfully scolding someone. 

"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 and Rishabh came and they were all having discussions with the media. So obviously, there was a lot of chatter," he concluded.

Other team members, including Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, were also seen engaging in discussions with the media, contributing to the buzzing atmosphere on board.