There’s a big secret behind Rohit Sharma’s ‘Messi-like’ celebration. Watch

Captain Rohit Sharma made India’s 2024 T20 World Cup trophy collection more interesting with his eccentric celebrations. In the pinnacle showdown in Barbados, India defended the target of 177 and won by 7 runs. With this win, India ended its 11-year ICC title drought and added a second T20 World Cup trophy to its trophy cabinet. From Virat Kohli’s 76-run knock to stunning performances by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, this match will be remembered for a long time to come.

After India’s win, the nation waited to see the Indian team lift the coveted trophy. A video circulating on social media captured the hilarious moments before the trophy was presented.

Shortly before Rohit attended the post-match awarding ceremony, spinner Kuldeep Yadav was seen urging him to walk slowly while collecting the award. Later, Rohit did the same while receiving the iconic trophy from BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

Kuldeep Yadav teaches Rohit Sharma how to lift the trophy like Leo Messi 🐐

The best video you will see today pic.twitter.com/EQA0RTXaOM

— ArgentineCuler (@FCB_Argentine) June 30, 2024

In fact, this slow-walking posture was popularized by soccer star Lionel Messi, who celebrated in a similar manner after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Kuldeep, who was one of India’s best performers at the T20 World Cup, is an avid football fan. In fact, he idolizes Lionel Messi and his former club Barcelona. Hence, the wrist-spinner seemingly asked captain Rohit to recreate the Argentine’s World Cup-winning moves.

Apart from this, Rohit also ate the sand on the Barbados pitch to make India’s title permanent.

In a video shared by the International Cricket Council, Rohit can be seen picking up sand from the Badbais ground, where the final between India and South Africa took place. Rohit then stuffed the sand into his mouth.

After the match, Rohit also announced his retirement from T20I events in a press conference.

“This is also my last game,” the captain said in the post-match press conference, referring to Virat Kohli Already made previously.

“Ever since I started playing this format, I have always enjoyed it. It is the right time to bid farewell to this format. I have loved every moment of this format. This is what I want – I want to win trophies,” Rohit greeted the crowd to great applause from the media.