[Watch] Rohit Sharma mimics Lionel Messi's special celebration while receiving 2024 T20 World Cup trophy
Rohit Sharma replicated Lionel Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy-lifting celebration after India's T20 World Cup win on Saturday (June 29).
The Men in Blue edged out South African in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup to lift the trophy for the second time. They had won the inaugural edition under MS Dhoni in 2007.
India batted first in Barbados and notched up a respectable total of 176/-7 on a decent batting surface. Virat Kohli (76) stepped up once again on the big stage and top-scored for side after their top-order collapsed in the powerplay.
Heinrich Klaasen then played a sensational knock of 52 (27) in the chase and put South Africa in pole position to win. However, Indian pacers made a phenomenal comeback in the last five overs and held their nerves in a high-pressure situation to restrict South Africa to 169-8.
Rohit Sharma and his teammates were elated, as the triumph came after arguably their biggest heartbreak, a loss in the 2023 World Cup final in November to Australia. All the players and support staff members celebrated the win after the final ball.
Rohit Sharma also pulled off a special celebration while receiving the trophy during the presentation ceremony, which resembled Lionel Messi's from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
You can watch the moment in the video below:
"We've worked very hard as individuals and as a team"- Rohit Sharma
At the presentation ceremony, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed satisfaction with his team's efforts and shed light on the hard yards they put in behind the scenes to achieve success. Sharma said:
"Very hard to sum up what we've been through for the last three or four years. We've worked very hard as individuals and as a team. A lot has gone in behind the scenes to win this game and the tournament.
"It's not today but what we've been doing for the last three or four years. We've played high pressure games in the past as well an d been on the wrong side.
He continued:
"The guys do understand what needs to be done when the pressure is on, And today is the perfect example of what to do when you have your backs to the wall. We stuck together as a team."
On handling the tough situations when South Africa were ahead in the game, Rohit added:
"South Africa were on top but overall as a group, we wanted this real bad. Lot of effort, lot of mind needs to come together.
"And I'm very very proud of the bunch of boys that I have and the management as well for giving us that liberty to go out there and play."
What was your favorite moment from the match? Let's know in the comments section below: