Rohit Sharma recreated Lionel Messis iconic trophylifting celebration from the 2022 FIFA World Cup following Indias T20 World Cup victory on Saturday June 29.
The triumphant Men in Blue outplayed South Africa in the thrilling finale of the 2024 T20 World Cup seizing their second title. Fond memories resurface from their earlier conquest in 2007 masterminded by the legendary MS Dhoni.
India batted first in Barbados, scoring a reasonable total of 176/-7 on a good batting surface. Virat Kohli (76) stepped up once more on the big stage, leading the side to victory after their top order imploded in the powerplay.
Heinrich Klaasen then delivered a spectacular knock of 52 (27) in the chase, putting South Africa in pole position to win. However, Indian pacers staged an incredible recovery in the final five overs and held their composure in a high-pressure situation to restrict South Africa to 169-8.
Rohit Sharma and his comrades exuded sheer jubilation at the victory following what was arguably their most poignant setback—a defeat in the final of the 2023 World Cup against Australia in November. Every player and member of the support staff commemorated the accomplishment with exultation as festivities ensued post the concluding ball.
Rohit Sharma orchestrated a touching tribute during the trophy presentation closely resembling Lionel Messis memorable celebration at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Watch the moment in the video below:
“We’ve worked very hard as individuals and as a team”- Rohit Sharma
At the award ceremony, Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged his happiness with his team’s efforts and placed light on the hard work 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.
Rohit Sharma
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.”
Rohit Sharma
On dealing with difficult conditions while South Africa was ahead in the game, Rohit Sharma 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.”
Rohit Sharma