In a candid interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rohit Sharma opened up about a unique and symbolic act that followed a momentous victory. After winning the T20 World Cup, Sharma was seen eating soil from the pitch, an act that left many curious and intrigued.
Sharma explained that the moment was entirely unscripted and driven by instinct. “I don’t think I can describe that as nothing was scripted. Whatever was coming (out) instinctively 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 we won the game on that particular ground as well,” he said. This spontaneity highlights the deep emotional connection he felt with the ground where his team clinched the coveted title.
He emphasized that the pitch and the stadium held significant importance to him and his team, as it was the very ground where they achieved their World Cup final triumph. This attachment to the venue was a driving force behind his desire to take a piece of it with him. “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,” Sharma shared, underscoring the profound impact the location had on him.
Sharma elaborated further on the symbolism of the act, expressing that those moments were incredibly special to him. The ground where all their dreams materialized held a unique place in his heart, and he wanted to carry a tangible piece of it as a memento. “Yeah, those moments are very very special and the place where all our dreams came true, I wanted something of it. So that was the feeling behind it,” he explained.
This gesture of consuming a part of the pitch is not entirely unprecedented in the world of sports. Famous tennis player Novak Djokovic has been known to eat grass from the court after winning matches, adding a layer of ritualistic celebration to his victories. Sharma’s act can be seen in a similar light, where the physical incorporation of the ground symbolizes the deep connection and gratitude he feels towards the place of his triumph.
Sharma’s explanation provides a glimpse into the emotional and symbolic nature of his actions, showcasing a side of sports that goes beyond the physical game and delves into the spiritual and sentimental aspects of achieving greatness. This unscripted and heartfelt gesture serves as a testament to the profound impact that moments of victory can have on athletes, creating memories and connections that last a lifetime.
