Over 25,000 Delhiites braved the sun as they waited for hours to have a glimpse of the players, who landed in Mumbai on Thursday 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.

Dhoni also acknowledged the World Cup winning feat of India's Under-19 cricketers.

"I would like to congratulate the Under-19 team for their achievement. They should enjoy their success and should not take pressures as it is a game at the end of the day," he said.

BCCI President Sharad Pawar, who also graced the occasion, said the team's achievement had vindicated the selectors' decision to have a young team for the ODI series.

"It's a very happy day for the whole country as India has returned with such a big victory. It's a proud moment for us," Pawar said.

"Beating Australia in their own land and winning the trophy is an extraordinary thing which Dhoni and his men have done. This is a miracle. I congratulate the team for this,"

"This shows our decision to give a chance to the young players was right. It has strengthened our team," he said.

Pawar also appreciated the fans for their warm welcome to the players and said they should not ill-treat cricketers if they lose any series, apparently referring to the reaction on Indian team's return after the ODI World Cup debacle in 2007.