23 June,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Sharma (Pic: X/DD News)
Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of his legendary contributions to the country's cricketing landscape over the past few decades.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards 2026 during a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
Under Rohit Sharma's brilliant leadership, the Indian men's cricket team achieved historic global success, lifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy in Barbados and following it up with the Champions Trophy 2025 title in Dubai.
Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma stands as one of the most destructive and successful batters in One Day International history, scoring 11,720 runs across 285 matches at an impressive average of 48.83 and a quick strike rate of 92.97. Rohit holds various world records in cricket, highlighted by the highest individual ODI score of 264 alongside three separate double centuries.
In the longest format, Rohit made his Test debut in 2013 and went on to feature in 67 matches for India, scoring 4,301 runs. His red-ball journey features 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with a personal-best knock of 212 against South Africa in 2019.
In the shortest format, Rohit's journey began in 2007, scoring 4,231 runs across 159 appearances to retire as the highest run-scorer in T20I history in 2024. He has won the T20 World Cup twice: initially as a young squad member during the inaugural 2007 edition and later as the winning captain in 2024.
In 2024, Rohit also became the first men's cricketer to surpass the milestone of 150 T20Is, before announcing his retirement from international T20 cricket immediately after guiding India to the world title.
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.
(With ANI inputs)
