By IANS,
New Delhi : Delhi’s local boy Gautam Gambhir returned home Monday after the cricket World Cup win to a rapturous welcome by fans waving national flags.
Crowds shouted “Gautam Gambhir zindabad” (long live Gautam Gambhir) as the city’s cricketing hero, who made a fighting 97 in the final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai Saturday, reached his home in Rajendra Nagar in central Delhi.
Admirers of all ages, including residents, shopkeepers and students from nearby government teacher’s training school, crowded in front of the house to have a glimpse of Gambhir.
“We have come here to see our hero Gambhir who has made Delhi proud with his brave innings. We all love him for his skills and looks,” said Sangeeta Singh, 23.
“He is the future of our Indian team and has got the talent to go miles. May god bless him,” said Surendra Mishra, 45, a manager at a restaurant few blocks away from Gambhir’s house.
“There was a buzz in the market since morning that Gambhir would be returning home and I came here just to thank him for the wonderful gift he has given to all cricket lovers of the country,” added Mishra.
Gambhir did not disappoint his fans. He came to the balcony and waived to the crowd.
“I came here yesterday (Sunday) too in anticipation of his arrival,” said 20-year-old Vishal Batra as he jumped with joy the minute he saw Gambhir.
“He is the most good looking and gifted Indian batsman,” chuckled Vandana Sharma, another fan.