While the entire world cheered the Indian conquest of the Cup, the Men in Blue cut the cake but stayed away from group celebrations at the Taj
While the entire world cheered the Indian conquest of the Cup, the Men in Blue cut the cake but stayed away from group celebrations at the Taj
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While the International Cricket Council (ICC) team partied until sunrise at the Taj, celebrating the historic win over Sri Lanka on Saturday night, the victors themselves preferred to maintain a low profile, and stayed in their rooms.
Sachin Tendulkar cuts a special cake made by the Taj staff to celebrate India's victory. (Left) Team India members walk down the corridor of the Taj.
According to sources, after bagging the trophy, at around one after midnight, the Indian team left Wankhede Stadium for the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
Led by Captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni, the team, which arrived at the hotel before the Sri Lankan team, found the hotel's facade illuminated in blue.
A huge cake, an edible replica of the Cup, greeted them at the lobby itself. "The Indian team entered the hotel with a bang after winning the World Cup.
They were welcomed with the special cake in the heavily-guarded lobby, cordoned off for the security of the cricketers. Special security forces manned the area," said the source.
A Taj official revealed that soon after the team cut the cake, they straight went to their suites and celebrated there.
The source alleged that due to security reasons, the team preferred not to join in the party with other ICC officials, at the hotel's Starboard bar.
The Taj had kept two venues for the cricketers to party, but the players remained aloof.
Nonetheless, liquor, music and food were flowing the whole night as the celebration continued till morning for the others.
"The entire ICC team, including the umpires and Coach Gary Kirsten, was spotted at the Starboard bar, known for its maritime theme.
However, no team members, either from India or Sri Lanka, were spotted at the venue. Though, Kristen was found dancing to live music at the bar. The entertainment continued until morning," he added.
As reported by MiD DAY earlier ('Chefs busy preparing dinner for champions', April 2), the hotel management had planned a bash for the ICC and the winning team.
A monogrammed magnum of the finest champagne awaited the team. A more elaborate welcome for the team was shafted for the players' security.
Taj official speaks
Gaurav Pokhariyal, general manager of the Taj hotel, said, "We were honoured to welcome the best two teams in the world,u00a0Sri Lanka and India.
And we are delighted to continue to be the preferred choice of hotel for all cricket teams.
We congratulate the Indian cricket team on their magnificent victory over Sri Lanka and are proud to be a part of this historic victory."
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