Barbados: After India's triumphant victory in the T20 World Cup, captain Rohit Sharma made headlines with a unique celebration. The skipper plucked a piece of the Barbados pitch and put it in his mouth following India’s seven-run victory over South Africa in the final at the Kensington Oval on June 29, 2024.

Two striking visuals captured the emotions of the moment: Rohit lying flat on the ground, pounding it in celebration, and later, quietly walking to the center of the pitch to taste the soil. This unusual act drew curiosity and comparisons to tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who is known for similar gestures.

In a video posted by the BCCI, Rohit explained his actions. "I was feeling the moment when I went to the pitch because that pitch gave us this victory. We played on that particular pitch and won the game. I will remember that ground forever in my life and that pitch as well. So I wanted to have a piece of it with me," Rohit said, emphasizing the special significance of the pitch where their dreams came true.

The victory marked India's first World Cup title since 2011, ending a 13-year wait filled with close calls. Rohit's spontaneous celebrations included hugs, tears, screams, and dance moves with teammates and support staff. Despite the joyous celebrations, Rohit has struggled to sleep properly, but he doesn’t mind. "We had a blast with the teammates till very early in the morning. So again, I did not sleep properly, but that is absolutely fine by me," he shared.

Rohit, who played a pivotal role both as a batsman and captain, reflected on the surreal experience of winning the World Cup. "The feeling actually is surreal. I would still say it has not sunk in totally. It has been a great moment," he said. This victory made Rohit the third Indian captain, after Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, to win a World Cup.

Despite the exhaustion, Rohit is savoring every moment. "This moment was very, very special for all of us. And I want to live it. I want to live each moment, each second, each minute that is passing by. I want to make the most of it," he expressed.

Following the World Cup triumph, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is, joining Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in concluding their T20I careers on a high note.

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New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday said it will "very soon" challenge in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 that has been passed in Parliament.

The opposition party also said it will continue to resist all "assaults" of the Modi government on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution.

Parliament early Friday approved the Bill after the Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the contentious legislation following an over 13-hour debate.

In a post in Hindi on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "The atmosphere in the country regarding the Waqf Board Amendment Bill is such that it feels like this bill has been brought to harass minorities. Late at night in the Lok Sabha, when this bill was passed, it received 288 votes in favour and 232 votes against. Why did this happen? This means there are many flaws in the bill."

From this, one can guess that despite opposition from various parties, this bill was brought arbitrarily, he said.

"This 'might is right' -- won’t be good for anyone!" Kharge said.

In a post on X, AICC general secretary in-charge organisation Jairam Ramesh said, "The INC will very soon be challenging in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of the Wakf (Amendment) Bill."

"We are confident and will continue to resist all assaults of the Modi Govt on the principles, provisions, and practices that are contained in the Constitution of India," he said.

The discussion on the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha witnessed staunch objections from opposition parties, which termed the Bill "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional" with the government responding that the "historic reform" would benefit the minority community.

The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

Ramesh also said that the INC's challenge of the CAA, 2019 is being heard in the Supreme Court.

The INC's challenge of the 2019 amendments to the RTI Act, 2005 is being heard in the Supreme Court, he noted.

"The INC's challenge to the validity of the amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules (2024) is being heard in the Supreme Court.

"The INC's intervention to uphold the letter and spirit of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 is being heard in the Supreme Court," the Congress leader added.

The Waqf Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

Parliament also approved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod. The Lok Sabha had already given its assent to the Bill.