Former India cricket captain Rohit Sharma has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, one of the country's highest civilian honors. Expressing deep gratitude, Sharma described this recognition as an exceptionally special moment for both himself and his family, while simultaneously reaffirming his unwavering commitment to winning matches and trophies for the nation.
A Moment of Pride and Gratitude
Terming the Padma Shri recognition a profoundly special occasion, Rohit Sharma extended heartfelt thanks to the Government of India for bestowing this honor upon him. He also expressed immense gratitude to all the individuals who have supported and guided him throughout his illustrious cricketing journey, acknowledging their crucial role in his career development and success.
In a video message shared by Doordarshan Sports on social media platform X, Sharma stated: "Receiving the Padma Shri is a very special moment for me and my family. I thank the Government of India for this honour. I am also grateful to all those people who have played an important role in my career. My effort to win matches and trophies for my country will always continue. Thank you. Jai Hind."
An Illustrious Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades
Rohit Sharma, who made his international debut in 2007, has established himself as one of India's most consistent and impactful performers across all cricket formats over the past nineteen years. His contributions to Indian cricket have been substantial both as a premier batter and as a successful captain, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's landscape in the country.
Leadership Achievements on the Global Stage
Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, the Indian cricket team achieved remarkable success in international tournaments. The Men in Blue secured victory in the T20 World Cup in 2024, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final that ended India's prolonged wait for an ICC title in the shortest format of the game. This triumph was followed by another significant achievement when the team lifted the Champions Trophy in 2025, further solidifying Sharma's credentials as an accomplished and effective leader who could guide the team to major tournament victories.
Outstanding Batting Records Across Formats
Beyond his captaincy accomplishments, Rohit Sharma boasts an exceptional batting record in international cricket that places him among the game's elite players:
- Test Cricket: In 67 Test matches, Sharma has scored over 4,300 runs, including 12 centuries that demonstrate his ability to excel in the longest format of the game.
- One Day Internationals: Across 282 ODI appearances, he has amassed more than 11,500 runs with 33 centuries, establishing himself as one of the format's most prolific run-scorers.
- T20 Internationals: In T20Is, Sharma has accumulated over 4,231 runs, including five centuries, making him one of the most successful batters in the shortest format of international cricket.
Current Status and Future Aspirations
While Rohit Sharma has retired from Test and T20 International cricket, he continues to represent India in One Day Internationals. His ongoing contributions with the bat remain valuable to the team as he sets his sights on the 2027 World Cup, aiming to help India achieve success in the prestigious tournament through his experience and batting prowess.
The Padma Shri award serves as fitting recognition for Sharma's substantial contributions to Indian cricket over nearly two decades, honoring not just his statistical achievements but also his leadership qualities and dedication to representing the nation with distinction on the global sporting stage.
