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Rohit Sharma – Former India captain Rohit Sharma has described receiving the Padma Shri as a deeply meaningful milestone, saying the honour has strengthened his resolve to keep delivering success for the national team.

Rohit acknowledged the award as a proud moment not only for himself but also for his family, crediting years of collective support behind his journey at the highest level of the sport. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the recognition, calling it an affirmation of nearly two decades of dedication to Indian cricket.

Message of Gratitude and Commitment

In a recorded message shared by Doordarshan Sports on X, Rohit spoke with humility while reflecting on the achievement. He thanked everyone who contributed to his growth as a cricketer, from coaches and teammates to support staff who worked behind the scenes throughout his career.

He also reiterated his commitment to representing India with the same determination that has defined his playing years. Rohit stated that his focus would remain on winning matches and trophies for the country whenever he takes the field, underlining that the honour serves as motivation rather than a moment of closure.

A Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades

Rohit Sharma made his international debut in 2007 and has since established himself as one of India’s most reliable performers across all formats. Over 19 years, his consistency and adaptability have allowed him to excel as both a top-order batter and a leader during challenging phases for the national side.

Known for his calm approach under pressure, Rohit gradually grew into leadership roles, earning respect for his tactical clarity and ability to manage high-stakes situations on the global stage.

Major Success as India’s Captain

Rohit’s tenure as captain brought significant achievements for India in international tournaments. One of the defining moments came in 2024, when India lifted the T20 World Cup after defeating South Africa in the final. The victory ended a prolonged wait for an ICC title in the shortest format and was widely seen as a turning point for the team.

That success was followed by another major triumph in 2025, when India secured the Champions Trophy. These back-to-back achievements reinforced Rohit’s reputation as a leader capable of guiding the team through high-pressure campaigns and delivering results on the biggest platforms.

Strong Batting Records Across Formats

Beyond leadership, Rohit’s individual batting numbers place him among India’s modern greats. In Test cricket, he has accumulated more than 4,300 runs from 67 matches, including 12 centuries, often playing crucial innings in home and overseas conditions.

His One-Day International record is equally notable. With over 11,500 runs in 282 matches and 33 centuries, Rohit ranks among the most prolific ODI batters of his generation. In T20 Internationals, he has scored more than 4,231 runs, including five centuries, highlighting his impact in a format that demands both power and precision.

Continuing the Journey in ODIs

While Rohit has stepped away from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, he remains active in the ODI format. He continues to contribute consistently at the top of the order, with a clear focus on maintaining form and fitness.

Looking ahead, Rohit is expected to remain an important part of India’s plans as the team builds towards the 2027 World Cup. The Padma Shri, awarded in recognition of his service to Indian cricket, now stands as another landmark in a career marked by resilience, leadership, and sustained excellence.