Former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma conferred Padma Shri
New Delhi, June 23
Former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has been conferred with the Padma Shri in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket over the past decades.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India's men's team clinched the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados and the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.
Sharma is one of the most prolific batters in ODI history, smashing 11,720 runs in 285 matches at an average of 48.83 and a strike rate of 92.97. He holds several world records, including the highest individual score of 264 and three double centuries.
Rohit made his Test debut in 2013 and went on to represent India in 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs. His red-ball career includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 212 against South Africa in 2019.
While he made his T20 debut in 2007 and slammed 4231 runs in 159 games, Rohit was the format's best scorer going out in 2024. He has won two T20 World Cups: the first in 2007 while competing and the one in 2024 as captain.
In 2024, Rohit became the first men's player to feature in over 150 T20Is, though he announced his retirement from the format after India's T20 World Cup victory.
The Padma Awards 2026 are being conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. During the second Civil Investiture Ceremony on June 23, a total of 65 Padma Awards are scheduled to be presented, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan and 56 Padma Shri awards.
The first Civil Investiture Ceremony for the Padma Awards 2026 was held on May 26, during which 66 Padma Awards were conferred.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While Rohit is a great batsman and captain, I feel the Padma Shri should also recognize unsung heroes in cricket—like domestic players or ground staff who work tirelessly without fame. Still, no doubt he's a deserving recipient! 🙌
Bohot hard, Rohit bhai! From a young lad in Mumbai to the captain who brought home the T20 World Cup after 17 years—what a journey. This Padma Shri is a celebration of his legacy. Also, his 3 double centuries in ODIs? Unreal! 😎🔥
As a cricket fan from the US, I've followed Rohit's career from afar. It's incredible how he transformed from a middle-order batsman to a world-class opener and captain. The Padma Shri is a well-deserved recognition of his impact on the sport globally.
Happy for Rohit, but I think the timing is a bit late. He's been performing for over a decade and retiring from T20Is now. Still, better late than never. Hope this inspires more youngsters from smaller cities to take up cricket! 🙏
Rohit Sharma has been a joy to watch. His elegance at the crease and ability to score big runs is rare. The Padma Shri is a testament to his consistency. Also, love how he handled the pressure of captaincy—bringing back the T20 WC after years was massive!
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