T20 World Cup 2026: Where Did Our WC Heroes Go After Lifting The Trophy In Ahmedabad?

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T20 World Cup 2026: Fresh from the euphoria of lifting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy in Ahmedabad, India's cricketing heroes returned home to a very different kind of celebration, quiet reunions, heartfelt visits and moments away from the spotlight.

The triumph at the Narendra Modi Stadium marked a historic achievement for India national cricket team. Post the win, many players chose to spend the days after the victory reconnecting with the people and places that shaped their journeys.

Samson Grand Return To Kerala

Among them was Sanju Samson, whose post-World Cup homecoming was far from glamorous. Instead of grand receptions or public appearances, the star wicketkeeper-batter opted for a quiet 404-kilometre road trip across Kerala. His journey included a brief stop at a roadside chai shop and an unannounced visit to the home of his longtime friend and Kerala teammate Rohan Kunnummal in Koyilandy.

The surprise visit captured the emotional side of India's World Cup triumph, reminding fans that beyond the stadium lights and roaring crowds are friendships forged through years of domestic cricket, shared dressing rooms and countless innings together.

"Success is better when shared with those who saw the beginning. Travelled across Kerala to meet the teammates and friends who have been part of this incredible ride," Samson later said.

Kerala will celebrate him properly soon. The Kerala Cricket Association plans to felicitate him on Monday at the inauguration of its new stadium in Manglapuram. But Samson's own celebration had already happened - on a quiet evening with old friends.

Samson Hit The Highway While Axar Chose Family Feast

If Sanju Samson marked his return with a quiet road journey, Axar Patel chose an intimate celebration at home. Back in Gujarat, the all-rounder kept things simple, gathering with close family members, his parents, relatives and his wife Meha to soak in the joy of the triumph.

Among those present was a particularly special guest: his young son Haksh. The World Cup final in Ahmedabad was the first time Haksh had watched his father play from the stands, making the occasion even more meaningful for Axar.

"Haksh saw me play live for the first time, and we won the trophy. That is a moment I will always cherish," the left-hand all-rounder said.

The celebrations unfolded over a quiet family dinner, where stories from the tournament were shared, and the magnitude of the victory slowly began to sink in.

Build Up In Vadodara For A Grand Celebration

Meanwhile, in Vadodara, the hometown of Hardik Pandya, celebrations were still building up as Team India lifted the trophy. Pandya's childhood coach, Jitendra Singh, watched both the semi-final and final with pride and nervousness. Pandya has yet to return, choosing instead to celebrate with his mother and brother Krunal Pandya in Mumbai. But the city that nurtured his talent has already begun its tributes.

Young cricketers from Singh's academy even visited a Hanuman temple to offer prayers, hopeful that one day Pandya will return with the trophy to the city that first shaped his cricketing dreams.

Abhishek Sharma Heads Out To Mountains

While several players chose to head back home after the celebrations, Abhishek Sharma took a different route, one that led straight to the mountains.

In a scene that felt almost cinematic, the young cricketer arrived at the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple dressed in a simple white kurta. Stepping off a helicopter, he walked quietly into the temple complex, accompanied by a small group of close friends.

There were no media interactions or public celebrations, just a calm and private moment of gratitude at one of the country's most revered shrines.

Bumrah Spends Time With Family

India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah chose to spend the time after the World Cup with his family in quiet and serenity. After the adrenaline rush in back-to-back matches of the World Cup, he chose to spend time with his wife, Sanjana and their son Angad.

Ishan's Long Road Back To Patna

After a scintillating tournament where he scored 317 runs next only to Samson's 321, Ishan Kishan stepped out onto the terrace of his home in Patna as he waved to the fans in classic SRK style. It was a gesture of gratitude shown by Kishan towards the public who still boast of his exploits.

The World Cup Trophy also ended on a personal note for Kishan. Jaipur-based model Aditi Hundia, who had been spotted cheering him during the World Cup, also spent some time with the team in Ahmedabad and after the match was seen spending time with him.

Surya's 'Trophy Romance'

If anyone seemed completely captivated by the trophy, it was Suryakumar Yadav.

The morning after India's World Cup triumph in Ahmedabad, while the city was still easing out of a night-long celebration, Surya set out with the gleaming prize for a quiet moment of his own. He took the trophy to one of Ahmedabad's historic stepwells, where the modern symbol of cricketing glory stood against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture. In the soft evening light, he paused to capture a few photographs - a striking blend of sport, history and celebration.

Soon after, the dynamic batter returned home to Mumbai. At his residence in Chembur's Godrej Sky Terraces, where he lives with his parents, the celebrations took on a more personal tone. Over the next few days, Surya visited several temples in the neighbourhood, offering prayers and reflecting on the remarkable journey.

The spiritual tour concluded with a visit to Mumbai's revered Siddhivinayak Temple, where he was joined by India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jay Shah, marking a fitting and grateful end to the celebrations.