"I wanted to have a piece of it" - Rohit Sharma reveals why he did the 'Grass-Eating Celebration' after India's T20 World Cup 2024 win

India captain Rohit Sharma has finally won an ICC trophy after a long wait. It was India's first ICC trophy in 11 years. After the win, almost all the Indian players were visibly emotional and couldn't hide their tears.

The celebrations continued on the ground as the players were seen celebrating and hugging each other. But there was one form of celebration which was totally unexpected from the Indian captain.

Rohit Sharma was seen eating a piece of grass from the pitch at Kensington Oval. This was reminiscent of Serbian Tennis player Novak Djokovic's act after winning the Wimbledon in 2011 after beating Rafael Nadal in the final.

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Rohit Sharma opens up on his grass-eating celebrations

In a video posted by BCCI on social media, Rohit Sharma explained the reason behind his grass-eating celebrations. Rohit mentioned that he wanted to have a piece of the pitch that won India the World Cup.

“Nothing was scripted. I was feeling the moment. When I went to the pitch that pitch gave us this (WC trophy). We played on that particular pitch and we won the game. That particular ground as well, I will remember that ground forever in my life and that pitch as well," Rohit said.

"I wanted to have a piece of it (the pitch). Those moments are very very special. The place where all our dreams came true, I wanted something of it. So, that was the feeling behind it," he added.

The Indian captain also explained his feelings after winning the T20 World Cup. He also added that winning the World Cup is a huge relief for team that has been working hard for a long time.

“Yeah, the feeling is surreal. I would still say it hasn't sunk in totally. It's been a great moment right from when the game got over till now. It feels like a dream we still feel that it hasn't happened. Although it has happened but it feels like it hasn't happened. That's the emotion, that's the meaning that you have," Rohit explained.

"We've dreamt about this for such a long period of time. We worked hard as a unit for such a long period of time and to say this is with us, feels a relief as well because when you work hard for something and you eventually get it at the end, it feels really nice," the opener exclaimed.

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"Last night, we were having a good time. We had a blast with the teammates till early morning. Again I would say we didn't sleep properly but that's absolutely fine by me. Not to have sleeps after a day like that is totally fine. There is lot of time for me to go back home and sleep. This moment was very special for us and I want to live each moment, each second, each minute that is passing by. I want to make the most of it," Rohit revealed the celebrations of the night when India lifted the trophy.

After the win, India's two modern day greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20I cricket. A day later, senior player Ravindra Jadeja also announced his retirement from the format.