Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has added another high honor to his decorated career by being awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his outstanding contribution to the sport of cricket.President Draupadi Murma presented the Padma Awards 2026 at the second Civil Investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. Rohit’s recognition comes after a career that has seen him establish himself as one of India’s best batsmen and leading form.The Mumbai-born cricketer was instrumental in India’s recent cricket success, leading the country to the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados in 2024 before guiding them to Champions Trophy glory in Dubai the following year. That success further cemented his position among India’s most successful leaders.Rohit’s ODI record remains one of the best in world cricket. Across 285 matches, he has scored 11,720 runs at an average of 48.83 and a strike rate of 92.97. His achievements in the format include 264 world records and an unprecedented three centuries, which continue to define his legacy.In Test cricket, Rohit made his debut in 2013 and represented India in 67 matches. He scored 4,301 runs, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a best of 212 against South Africa in 2019.The veteran batsman also enjoyed a special T20I tour. After making his debut in 2007, he ended his T20 international career with 4,231 runs from 159 matches. Rohit became the first men’s cricketer to play more than 150 T20Is and remains one of the most popular figures.His T20I career ended well as India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup. Having already been part of the team that won the inaugural edition in 2007, Rohit became one of the rare players to win the tournament as a player and later as a manager. Soon after winning the title, he announced his retirement from T20 internationals.With his exit from T20Is and Tests, Rohit now continues to represent India in ODI cricket only.The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony saw President Murmu handing out 65 honors in the second financial cycle. The list included two Padma Vibhushan awards, seven Padma Bhushan awards and 56 Padma Shri recipients. Earlier, 66 Padma Awards were conferred at the first Civil Investiture ceremony held on May 26.For Rohit, the Padma Shri is yet another iconic symbol of a career full of records, trophies and memorable moments in Indian cricket.
