Team India's Return Date: When is Rohit Sharma and co returning after T20 World Cup win in Barbados?

The Indian cricket team, alongside their support staff, BCCI officials, and families, are likely to return home on Tuesday evening after being stranded in Barbados for two days due to Hurricane Beryl. The airport is expected to resume operations within the next six to 12 hours, according to Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Since Sunday evening, Barbados has been under lockdown due to Hurricane Beryl's life-threatening winds and storms. The category 4 hurricane caused significant coastal damage. The Indian team, fresh from their T20 World Cup victory against South Africa on Saturday, were unable to depart as scheduled.

Barbados Government Response

Barbados Prime Minister Mottley has been closely monitoring the situation and expressed optimism about the airport's reopening. "We hope, and we're working towards later today. I don't want to speak in advance of it, but I've literally been in touch with the airport personnel and they're doing their last checks now and we want to resume normal operations as a matter of urgency," she told PTI.

The travel plans of many, including the Indian team, have been disrupted. "There are a number of people who were due to leave late last night or today or tomorrow morning. And we want to make sure that we can facilitate those persons, so I would anticipate that within the next six to 12 hours that the airport will be open," Mottley added.

Team's Spirits Remain High

Despite the circumstances, the Indian team's morale remains high. "I'm sure that in spite of the passage of the hurricane, that they would have been in a very, very, very good mood and spirit and to win in the manner that they won on Saturday. I think they will be floating on air for a little time," commented Mottley.

Damage and Recovery Efforts

While Barbados' mainland was spared from direct impact, coastal areas and nearby islands experienced severe weather. "We were very blessed that the storm did not come on land. The hurricane was 80 miles south of us, which limited the level of damage on shore. But as you can see, we've had coastal infrastructure, and coastal assets have been badly damaged," Mottley said.

Recovery and cleanup efforts are now a priority, with another hurricane forecasted to arrive on Wednesday. "It could have been a lot worse, but now is the time to do the recovery and the cleanup. We have another hurricane coming on Wednesday," Mottley noted.

India Win T20 World Cup

The Indian team's victory ended an 11-year ICC title drought, adding to their celebration despite being temporarily stranded. Their return home is eagerly anticipated, marking the conclusion of a memorable tournament and an eventful stay in Barbados.