Rohit Sharma reveals reason behind eating soil after India's World Cup triumph
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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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
