This is the kind of motivation we need, Dhoni tells crowds

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team, which returned triumphant from Australia on Thursday, became the toast of the nation with the Cricket Board felicitating the players and rewarding them with Rs 58 lakh each at the Ferozeshah Kotla.

Over 25,000 Delhiites braved the sun as they waited for hours to have a glimpse of the players, who landed in Mumbai this morning and were then brought to the national capital in a chartered flight.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led the team to its epoch-making win on Australian soil, said the hero's welcome extended to the team would motivate his side to do better.

"This is the kind of motivation we need. I thank all the fans for their support, which is a big motivation for us," said Dhoni.

The players were presented cheques of Rs 58 lakh each for the historic achievement and Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna presented Dhoni a memento.

Dhoni said the feat was possible due to team effort and appreciated the players for handling the situation on and off the field well during the controversy-ridden tour.

"I would also thank my team members without which it (winning the title) would not have been possible. They conducted themselves well both on and off the field. I hope we will continue to entertain you like this," he said at the ceremony which lasted for about 40 minutes.