Rohit Sharma honoured with Padma Shri award

• Rohit Sharma awarded Padma Shri for cricket contributions.
• Sharma continues as pivotal ODI player and mentor.
• Ashwin was last male cricketer to get Padma Shri (2025).

India's cricketing stalwart Rohit Sharma has been honoured with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards, in recognition of his extraordinary

contributions to Indian cricket.

The announcement of the 2026 Padma awards by the central government on Sunday marks another milestone in the illustrious career of one of India's most accomplished batsmen.

The former India skipper, who retired from Test cricket in 2025, has continued to remain a pivotal figure in India's ODI setup. Last year alone, he amassed 650 runs in the 50-over format, proving that even after stepping away from the rigours of Test cricket, his consistency and class at the crease remain unmatched. The Mumbai-based opener now focuses exclusively on limited-overs cricket for the national team, while turning out selectively for domestic tournaments, including representing Mumbai and participating in the Indian Premier League.

Over the years, Rohit's impact has been monumental. Under his captaincy, India clinched two ICC titles after a 12-year gap, highlighting his leadership skills alongside his batting prowess. Known for his ability to accelerate innings, anchor chases, and play match-defining knocks, Rohit has redefined the modern limited-overs game for India. His talent, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him the reputation of being one of the finest white-ball cricketers of his generation.

The Padma Shri adds to a growing list of accolades in Rohit's career. Notably, the last male cricketer to receive this prestigious award was Ravichandran Ashwin in 2025, recognising his exceptional contributions to Indian cricket. Rohit's honour is a testament not just to individual statistics, but to his long-standing influence on Indian cricket and his leadership both on and off the field.

As Rohit Sharma continues to feature in India's ODI campaigns and mentor younger players, the Padma Shri serves as a fitting recognition of his dedication, resilience, and consistent excellence over more than a decade at the top of the game.