While many compared Rohit Sharma‘s unique walk to the stage to receive the T20 World Cup trophy to Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup moment, a video on social media revealed that it was spinner Kuldeep Yadav who planned and demonstrated the walk to Rohit. This behind-the-scenes preparation added a special touch to India’s historic victory.

India’s thrilling T20 World Cup Final victory

India (176 / 7) edged out South Africa (169 / 8) by seven runs in a thrilling final in Barbados on Saturday, ending a 17-year wait for another T20 World Cup triumph. This victory also ended an 11-year ICC title drought for India, with the last win being the 2013 Champions Trophy. For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, this tournament was their last chance to win a world title in the shortest format, as both announced their retirement from T20Is after the victory.

Kuldeep Yadav’s influence on Rohit’s trophy reception

Before Rohit went on to receive the trophy, Kuldeep Yadav could be seen showing his skipper how to approach the stage. This video has since gone viral on social media, capturing the hearts of fans. India’s victory was built on the foundation of Virat Kohli’s best knock of the tournament, a 59-ball 76, and Axar Patel’s crucial 47, which set up a challenging total for South Africa to chase.

THE MOMENT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 🥺❤️

India are the #T20WorldCup2024 CHAMPIONS 🇮🇳#T20WorldCupFinal | #INDvsSA | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/ue6ZEvGlvI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 29, 2024

India’s bowlers were instrumental in the win, with Hardik Pandya taking 3-20, Jasprit Bumrah 2-18, and Arshdeep Singh 2 -20. Despite South Africa moving into a winning position at one stage, requiring just a run a ball, the turning points came with the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) by Pandya and a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller (21 off 17 balls). These key moments shifted the momentum back to India, securing their historic triumph.

See Also: Axar Patel: India’s T20 World Cup Final hero’s near-villain moment – Cricket Winner

This thrilling match and the memorable moments around it, including Kuldeep’s unique influence on Rohit’s trophy walk, have been widely celebrated, marking a significant milestone in India’s cricketing history.