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Xtra Time Web Desk: VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the National Cricket Academy, emphasized the significance of India's T20 World Cup triumph, calling it a momentous occasion for the country. Laxman reminisced about the team's remarkable comeback in the final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29, describing the subsequent celebrations that began in Barbados and concluded in Mumbai.

Laxman also praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their thoughtful gestures towards coach Rahul Dravid during the celebrations. He highlighted how Kohli invited Dravid to join the trophy celebrations, creating one of the most heartfelt moments at the Kensington Oval. The camaraderie and respect shown by Sharma and Kohli towards Dravid underscored the unity and spirit within the team.

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"And then someone like Rahul, with whom I have played so much cricket, I have known him for so many years, for him to show so much emotions, first when the last ball was bowled and the conversations he was having with various team members. When he lifted the World Cup, I thought it was a great gesture by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to hand over the trophy. And the way he celebrated lifting the trophy showed how much it meant to each one of them," VVS Laxman said in a video for the BCCI from Harare.

VVS Laxman referred to a heartwarming moment during India's trophy celebration after their T20 World Cup final victory. Virat Kohli approached head coach Rahul Dravid, who was initially trying to avoid the spotlight, and invited him to join the celebrations. Dravid, known for his reserved demeanor, was brought to the forefront by Kohli after Rohit Sharma collected the World Cup trophy. Dravid's enthusiastic celebration surprised and delighted the cricket fraternity, highlighting the deep respect and camaraderie within the team.

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"Everyone showed their emotions. It showed how much it meant to each and every player of that squad. It's not only the playing XI. Even the support staff and the coaching staff, the emotions were high. You saw Hardik Pandya break down and show his emotions after bowling the last over. We saw Rohit Sharma on the ground," Laxman added.

In the T20 World Cup final, India found themselves in a precarious position when South Africa needed just 30 runs from 30 balls to chase down a target of 177. However, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya delivered crucial performances, pulling things back and securing a narrow 7-run victory for India.

The celebrations in Mumbai were jubilant, despite the team's return being delayed by three days due to Hurricane Beryl in Barbados. Upon their return, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious team for breakfast in New Delhi. In Mumbai, thousands of fans lined Marine Drive to cheer for Rohit Sharma and his team during an open-top bus parade.

The BCCI organized a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, where the team was awarded a prize money of Rs 125 crore. The victory and subsequent celebrations underscored the significance of the win and the joy it brought to the nation.