Introduction
Former Indian speedster Rudra Pratap Singh has opened up about a light-hearted yet memorable incident that took place during India’s iconic T20 World Cup 2007 victory parade in Mumbai. The left-arm pacer revealed that, amid the ecstatic celebrations, a fan tossed a cake toward him and insisted he cut it during the open-top bus procession — a moment that still brings a smile to his face nearly two decades later.
The Historic Win
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup, held in South Africa in September 2007, marked a turning point in Indian cricket.
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A young team, led by newly appointed captain MS Dhoni, entered the tournament with little expectation but quickly became a force to reckon with.
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India’s campaign was filled with memorable moments — from Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes against England to the dramatic bowl-out win over Pakistan in the group stage.
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The final against Pakistan was a high-pressure contest, with India defending a modest total. In a tense finish, Joginder Sharma’s last over sealed a five-run win, sparking celebrations both on the field and across the nation.
The Victory Parade in Mumbai
On their return, the Indian team was given a hero’s welcome.
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An open-top bus carried the players from Mumbai Airport to Wankhede Stadium.
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Streets were packed with fans waving flags, chanting, and showering flowers and confetti.
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The parade took place under overcast skies, with intermittent rain failing to dampen the spirit of the celebration.
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Police had to close several major roads to manage the massive crowd that had gathered to catch a glimpse of the champions.
RP Singh’s “Cake” Moment
Recalling the special day, RP Singh said on the JioHotstar special Cheeky Singles:
“We had celebrated in South Africa after the win, then stopped in Dubai where people congratulated us. But when we landed in Mumbai, the celebrations were on another level. The roads were jam-packed, and people were throwing things — chocolates, flowers, and even a small cake. One fan tossed it toward me saying, ‘Please hold it and cut it.’ I told them, ‘Don’t do this, it might fall.’ It was raining, yet the energy was unbelievable.”
This light-hearted moment became a personal highlight for the pacer, showcasing the unfiltered love and excitement of Indian cricket fans.
RP Singh’s Contribution to the Win
RP Singh was one of the stars of India’s 2007 campaign:
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He led India’s pace attack alongside Sreesanth.
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Finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an impressive average and economy rate.
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His ability to swing the ball at pace troubled opposition batters throughout the competition.
Career Highlights
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Represented India in 14 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 10 T20Is.
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Claimed a total of 124 wickets across formats.
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Was part of several memorable wins, including the 2008 CB Series in Australia.
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Announced retirement from international cricket in 2018.
Legacy of the 2007 Win
The 2007 T20 World Cup victory is widely seen as a catalyst for the rise of T20 cricket in India.
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It played a significant role in the launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.
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The win also reinforced India’s reputation as a powerhouse in global cricket.
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For players like RP Singh, it remains one of the most cherished moments of their careers.