New Delhi: Former India captain Rohit Sharma was on Tuesday conferred the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, during the Padma Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award in recognition of Rohit’s outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.
Rohit attended the second Civil Investiture Ceremony along with his wife Ritika Sajdeh, after being unable to attend the first ceremony held in May. The prestigious event also saw former Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj receiving the Padma Bhushan, while Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia was among the Padma Shri awardees.
Recognition of an illustrious career
The Padma Shri marks yet another milestone in Rohit Sharma’s remarkable cricketing journey, which has spanned nearly two decades. Since making his international debut in 2007, Rohit has grown into one of India’s most accomplished batters and influential leaders across formats.
Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to score big hundreds, Rohit has etched his name among the modern greats of the game. His consistency, adaptability and match-winning performances have played a crucial role in India’s success on the global stage.
Earlier this year, when his name was announced for the honour, Rohit expressed gratitude and described it as a special moment for both himself and his family. He thanked the Government of India and acknowledged the support of everyone who contributed to his journey.
Leadership success and major achievements
Rohit Sharma’s tenure as captain has been marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, India ended a prolonged ICC trophy drought by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, defeating South Africa in the final.
The success continued in 2025, when India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy, further cementing Rohit’s legacy as one of the country’s most successful white-ball captains. His calm approach, tactical acumen and ability to handle pressure situations have earned him widespread respect in the cricketing fraternity.
Impressive numbers across formats
Rohit’s statistics reflect his longevity and excellence across formats. In Test cricket, he scored over 4,300 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries. In One Day Internationals, he has amassed more than 11,500 runs in 282 matches, with 33 centuries to his name.
In T20 Internationals, Rohit accumulated over 4,200 runs and registered five centuries, making him one of the leading run-scorers in the format’s history. His ability to dominate bowling attacks and convert starts into big scores has been a hallmark of his career.
Continuing role in Indian cricket
Although Rohit Sharma has stepped away from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, he continues to play a vital role in the ODI format. The experienced opener remains a key figure in India’s plans and is expected to guide the team in upcoming major tournaments.
Looking ahead, Rohit has his sights set on leading India in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to build on its recent successes and maintain its position among the world’s top cricketing nations.
A fitting honour
The conferment of the Padma Shri on Rohit Sharma recognises not only his individual achievements but also his contribution to Indian cricket’s growth and success. From a talented youngster to a celebrated captain, his journey continues to inspire aspiring cricketers across the country.
As he adds this prestigious honour to his illustrious career, Rohit remains focused on contributing to Indian cricket and achieving further milestones on the international stage.