It was a send-off the Indian cricket team hardly expected. A huge crowd waved goodbye and wished them good luck as they left the country for the 2007 World Cup from Mumbai early Thursday morning.

Over a thousand enthusiastic cricket fans turned up at the Mumbai international airport, waving flags and chanting 'Come on India' as the team departed for the West Indies.

"India win will this World Cup. Go India go," shouted the fans, dancing and frantically waving the tricolour.

For some it was a night to remember.

"I just can't believe I saw the entire Indian team leaving for the World Cup," said a female fan.

But for passengers departing around the same time, it was a horror story. They had to weave their way around the fans, who blocked the road and entry point of the terminal.

Indeed, it was chaos all around as the fans kept cheering even long after the team disappeared into the airport terminal. It was a rare sight too for the airport security personnel, who had a tough time dispersing the crowd.

India last won the World Cup in 1983. After the team's fine showing at home against the West Indies and Sri Lanka recently fans are expecting a second title triumph.

India, placed in Group B, begin their campaign in the World Cup, against Bangladesh on March 17.

Watching the reception the team received at its departure, it is anyone's guess how it will be received if it returns as World champions.