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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Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 14 (PTI): The Mangaluru City Crime Branch has arrested three men in connection with the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty, officials said on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Azaruddin alias Azar alias Ajju (29), Abdul Khader alias Noufal (24) and Vamanjoor Noushad alias Chotte Noushad (39), were arrested during the last two days, they said.

With the fresh arrests, a total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder so far, police said.

According to a police statement, Azaruddin had previously been booked in three theft cases registered at Panambur, Suratkal, and Mulki police stations. He allegedly provided information about Shetty's movements to the other accused, aiding in the murder.

Khader is said to have assisted the accused during their escape in a car after the murder was committed.

Noushad is accused of having conspired with the others and directly participated in the crime. He has six previous criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery conspiracy, registered at various police stations in Dakshina Kannada, police said.

Azaruddin has been remanded in judicial custody, while Khader and Noushad have been taken into police custody for seven days for further investigation.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts are underway to trace other accused involved in the case.

Shetty, a known rowdy sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered by a group on May 1 within the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru City.

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