Rohit Sharma Joins Virat Kohli And MS Dhoni In Elite Groups Of Padma Award Winners, Here’s The List Of Cricketers In The List

Rohit Sharma has joined an exclusive list of Indian cricketers to receive one of India’s highest civilian honours, placing him alongside names such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. India’s civilian honours follow a clear hierarchy. The Padma Awards are divided into three categories — Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan — awarded for distinguished service across fields, including sports. Above these sits the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Among cricketers, only Sachin Tendulkar has received the Bharat Ratna.

The Padma awards are announced annually by the Government of India ahead of Republic Day. Padma Shri – Fourth-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan – Third-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan – Second-highest civilian award Bharat Ratna – Highest civilian award These honours recognise excellence and distinguished service in public life, including contributions to Indian sport.

Among Indian cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar remains the only player to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, which was conferred on him in 2014. He had earlier received the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar were among the earliest cricketers to be recognised with the Padma Bhushan, receiving the award in 1991 and 1980, respectively. Later, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni were also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2018. Several modern-era cricketers have received the Padma Shri, including Sourav Ganguly (2004), Anil Kumble (2005), Virender Sehwag (2010), and Yuvraj Singh (2014). In recent years, Virat Kohli received the Padma Shri in 2017, followed by Rohit Sharma in 2020. Most recently, Ravichandran Ashwin joined the list after being awarded the Padma Shri in 2025.

Rohit’s recognition reflects his stature in Indian cricket across formats. With multiple ICC titles, more than 19,000 international runs, and a record three ODI double centuries, Rohit has established himself as one of India’s most accomplished white-ball batters. His Padma honour adds national recognition to an already decorated cricketing career.

The list of cricketing Padma awardees reflects the sport’s significance in India’s public life. From Sachin Tendulkar’s Bharat Ratna to Rohit Sharma’s Padma honour, civilian recognition continues to mirror cricket’s cultural and sporting influence across generations.