[WATCH]- Rohit Sharma Imitates Lionel Messi’s Iconic Celebration While Receiving The 2024 T20 World Cup Trophy

Rohit Sharma recreated Lionel Messi’s trophy-lifting celebration from the 2022 FIFA World Cup after India‘s victory in the T20 World Cup on Saturday, June 29. The Men in Blue secured their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final of the 2024 tournament. They had previously won the inaugural edition under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2007.

Batting first in Barbados, India posted a competitive total of 176-7 on a decent batting surface. Virat Kohli (76) once again delivered on the big stage, top-scoring for the team after their top-order struggled during the powerplay.

Heinrich Klaasen then performed an excellent innings of 52 runs from 27 balls throughout the chase, placing South Africa in a robust position to win. However, Indian pacers staged a splendid comeback in the remaining five overs, keeping their composure in a excessive-stress state  to limit South Africa to 169-8

Rohit Sharma and his teammates were overjoyed with the victory, especially following their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final in November. All players and support staff celebrated the win after the final ball.

While the presentation ceremony, Rohit Sharma also completed a special celebration while getting the trophy, reminding back to Lionel Messi’s iconic action from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

You can watch the video here:

https://x.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1807134343888040069

“We’ve put in a lot of effort both individually and collectively”- Rohit Sharma

During the presentation ceremony, Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed contentment with his team’s performance and emphasized the rigorous effort they invested behind the scenes to attain success. Sharma remarked:

“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 further 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.”

When addressing the challenges during moments when South Africa had the upper hand in the match, Rohit further stated:

“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.”

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