Vadodara (Gujarat): A massive gathering of more than 3.5 lakh people flocked the city’s streets to celebrate local boy Hardik Pandya’s homecoming home following his pivotal role in the Indian team’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. As the car he was riding in moved through the streets for hours, hundreds of admirers cheered Pandya on. It was a sea of people in a 5.5-kilometer radius. Chants of “Hardik, Hardik” erupted throughout the electrifying welcome and triumph parade that filled the city’s main thoroughfares.
In a brief speech, Pandya thanked the people of Vadodara for their unwavering belief in him and unrelenting backing. The cricketer also thanked all the volunteers who controlled the crowd and ensured everyone was safe, and he praised the Baroda Police.
The excitement was palpable. People chanted his name and waved from every balcony and apartment building as the car made its way through the parade.
Fans took strategic vantage points to get a glimpse of their “Hardik Bhai”, from rooftops to any structure that would give them support and safety to celebrate their boy’s homecoming. There were hundreds of bikes following his car as it tried to make its way through the packed city streets.
The bus started in the centre of the old city (Mandvi) and ended its parade 3.5 to 4 km route at Akota, where the crowd spread into the neighbouring ground and continued the celebrations.
Following the grandeur of the Mumbai road show, where an astounding three lakh people gathered to welcome the T20 Cricket World Champions with the cup, this road show was a testament to the team’s widespread support.
