Why Did Rohit Sharma Have to Wait Nearly a Decade for the Padma Shri After Virat Kohli?

Former India captain Rohit Sharma was conferred with the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony took place at the Civil Investiture at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23, 2026. The honour basically represents Rohit Sharma's immense contribution to Indian cricket over almost two decades. Yesterday's award has reignited an interesting comparison between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. King Kohli received the same honour back in 2017. The emerging comparison invoked the fact that despite making his international debut a year later than Rohit, Kohli received the honour earlier. Rohit debuted for India in the year of 2007. On the other hand, Kohli stepped into international cricket in 2008. Still, Kohli was awarded the Padma Shri almost a decade earlier.

Kohli has achieved all types of fame that can be achieved in his professional domain. By the year of receiving the honour that is 2017, Kohli had already established himself as one of the world's celebrated batters. He had also achieved the milestone of becoming India's team captain in all formats. Had won the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award as well and was internationally regarded as the face of Indian cricket. His remarkably consistent form across all formats and leadership capabilities led to his recognition on the national platform.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma was already a major white-ball star. Hitman achieved multiple one-day international double centuries and succeeded in limited-overs cricket formats. Although, his overall international performance and leadership profile had not reached the heights. This can define the latter part of his career.

But, Sharma has gone through a major transformation in his legacy post 2017. From one of the most prolific batters of the team, he had evolved into one of the most successful skippers of Team India. Under his leadership, India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024. At the same time, his own batting records continued to get higher across the formats. Not only that, but Rohit has also made sure to establish his status as one of the greatest ODI openers in the history of cricket. This mind-baffling batter has three double centuries and numerous remarkable ICC tournament performances.

Sportscape observes this event as a proud moment for all Indians. When it comes to two greats at the same time it doesn't really matter who gets the award first. Rather, what indeed matters is that our country possesses two such talented cricketers in the same time frame. We wish Rohit Sharma aka Hitman of Indian cricket our heartiest congratulations.