KOLKATA: About thousand jubilant fans along with politicians arrived at the airport to welcome 'home' the Kolkata Knight Riders who beat two-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings to be crowned new IPL champions.
The VIP gate No. 5 near the international terminal of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport in Dum Dum witnessed delirious scenes once the heroes stepped out of the airport.
The scenes were reminiscent of the times when Diego Maradona and later Lionel Messi had arrived in Kolkata.
The Monday night was no different, as the fans waited patiently for their triumphant team members to arrive as their flight which was delayed by more than two hours.
A makeshift stage was erected just outside the gate to welcome the KKR players and team owner Shah Rukh Khan who arrived in batches.
Fans dressed in KKR jersey with the purple flag had come all over the city, as shouts of 'KKR... KKR', 'Shah Rukh, Shah Rukh' reverbrated the airport.
40-year-old Ajit Kundu had come from Bhowanipore with KKR colours painted on his face as he kept on shouting 'Three cheers for KKR, hip hip hurray.'
"Like the team celebrated last night. We too at our club danced to the victory by distributing sweets. KKR has made Bengal proud," he said.
Many danced to the drum beats, while others had come with giant posters of Shah Rukh Khan and team captain Gautam Gambhir.
There were also posters with congratulatory messages as many had come in groups to welcome the team home.