NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma's 'Lionel Messi-esque' celebration following India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, held in the Americas at a packed Kensington Oval in Barbados, remains vivid in the minds of cricket fans. This slow-walk gesture, reminiscent of football star Lionel Messi, gained popularity when Messi celebrated in a similar fashion after leading Argentina to the FIFA 2022 title in Qatar.
Messi delighted his fans once again with another slow-walk celebration after Argentina clinched their record 16th Copa America title. They defeated Colombia 1-0 with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez, overcoming delays caused by thousands of ticketless fans attempting to enter the stadium.
During a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rohit Sharma revealed that spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav suggested the distinctive walk to make their podium moment memorable when they received the T20 World Cup trophy.
PM Modi remarked on Rohit's unique walk, saying, "I noticed two extreme things where I could see the emotion. When you were going to collect the trophy..."
Rohit responded, "It was such a monumental moment for all of us. We had been waiting for this for years. So, the boys suggested to me, 'Don't just go like that, do something different...'"
The Prime Minister jokingly asked, "Was it Chahal's idea?" Rohit chuckled and replied, "Chahal and Kuldeep," spreading laughter throughout the room.
