Grant Elliot reveals backstory to 'bat drop' celebration

When Lahore Qalandars all-rounder Grant Elliott took his side over the line against Islamabad United in a thrilling encounter on Monday, Pakistani social media went crazy over his 'bat drop' celebration.

Elliott was on strike with Qalandars needing six off the final five balls, and just one wicket to spare. He then launched paceman Muhammad Sami into the stands to complete the narrow win.

Grant Elliot u beauty @grantelliottnz @head_of_toys @jazzpk @sameenrana @atifnaeemrana @ShahbazMaqsoodK pic.twitter.com/9FXYEQpEWW

— Bilal Ashraf (@IamBilalAshraf) February 20, 2017

That #Batdrop was Greatness! @grantelliottnz you are the maaaayn!#IUvLQ #LQvIU #PSL2017

— Ulluminati (@meeyo_miz) February 20, 2017

Naturally, Elliott won plenty of admirers for his flamboyant showmanship.

Let’s re-live the moment once again

19.2 SIX! Grant Elliot match-winning SIX for Lahore Qalandars!
watch https://t.co/7VLpZp1jmg …#LQvIU #HBLPSL #AbKhelJamayGa pic.twitter.com/orQtkgftnZ

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 20, 2017

But it was unclear what inspired the Kiwi all-rounder to do such an act. Speaking to Geo News, Elliott revealed why he mimicked the popular 'drop the mic' move.

"I don't mind a bit of rap music every now and then. Sometimes they sign off just by dropping the mic. It's sort of like the end of the session. It is defiant sort of message that it’s over," he explained.

A mic drop is a gesture of intentionally dropping one's microphone at the end of a performance or speech to signal a moment of triumph. Figuratively, it is an expression of victory for a successful event, indicating a boastful attitude toward one's own performance.

Elliott also expressed conditional willingness to visit Lahore for PSL final if The Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA) permits.

He said T20 cricket is exciting, entertaining, and that people should express themselves while enjoying the cricket.

"I guess that's what I was doing. Trying to make it entertaining and exciting for the crowd. And hopefully, we'll get more Qalandar fans because of it [bat drop],” he added.

OR maybe he just took inspiration from former US president!

The coolest finisher of all time! Take a bow!

—Edited by Zain-ul-abideen Siddiqui.