Indian Cricket Icons Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur to be Honored with Padma Shri
In a significant recognition of sporting excellence, Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar will be conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award in the field of Sports. This honor celebrates their immense contributions to Indian cricket across formats and generations, marking their leadership and historic achievements on the global stage.
Rohit Sharma's Leadership and Record-Breaking Career
Rohit Sharma's Padma Shri recognition comes on the back of a remarkable leadership phase with the Indian men's cricket team. Under his captaincy, India secured two major ICC titles:
- Lifting the Men's T20 World Cup in 2024
- Winning the Champions Trophy in 2025
Shortly after the T20 World Cup victory, Rohit announced his retirement from the shortest format, concluding a glittering T20 International career. He later stepped away from Test cricket in 2025 and now focuses exclusively on One Day Internationals.
Across his international cricket career, Rohit Sharma has amassed an impressive 20,109 runs, scoring 50 centuries and 111 half-centuries. These numbers underscore his longevity and consistent impact at the highest level of the sport. His journey from a free-flowing opener to a World Cup-winning captain has been defined by evolution and unwavering consistency.
Harmanpreet Kaur's Historic World Cup Triumph
Harmanpreet Kaur's Padma Shri recognition follows one of the most iconic moments in Indian women's cricket history. She became:
- The first Indian captain to lift an ICC Women's World Cup
- The 11th overall captain to achieve this feat
India secured victory by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Defending a target of 299 runs, the Indian team produced a dominant bowling performance:
- Deepti Sharma starred with a five-wicket haul
- Shafali Verma made crucial all-round contributions
South Africa was bowled out for 246 runs in 45.3 overs, sealing India's maiden Women's World Cup title on home soil. With this triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur became only the second Indian captain to win a World Cup at home, following MS Dhoni's achievement with the men's team at the 2011 World Cup in Mumbai.
Legacy and Recognition
The Padma Shri honor for Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur stands as a powerful recognition of leadership, legacy, and moments that have reshaped Indian cricket history. Their achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have also inspired countless aspiring cricketers across India.
This dual recognition highlights the growing prominence of both men's and women's cricket in India, celebrating excellence across genders and formats. The awards serve as a testament to their dedication, skill, and contribution to elevating Indian cricket on the world stage.
