Indian cricket legend and former national captain Rohit Sharma He added another famous feather to his decorated cap as he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the President. Draupadi Murmu. The grand Civil Investiture Ceremony at the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi marked a certain milestone for one of the most influential icons of modern cricket. Globally known as the ‘Hitman’, Rohit’s inclusion in the elite list of civilian awardees underlines his magnificent contribution to Indian sports, earning him widespread admiration from the fraternity and millions of fans.
Rohit Sharma reacts to Padma Shri recognition with an emotional social media post
For Rohit, the timing of the ceremony carried an unusual poetic beauty. The legendary opener took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to express his deep gratitude, highlighting the heartwarming historical coincidence that felt almost preordained.
“June 23 brings all kinds of magic. Nineteen years ago, it started with an Indian cap. Today, another proud chapter is added to the story“,” an emotional Rohit shared along with a picture of him holding the prestigious honour.
June 23 brings all kinds of magic ✨🇮🇳
It started with an Indian cap 19 years ago.
Today, another proud chapter is added to the story. pic.twitter.com/WCiILcc7M3— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 23, 2026
Nineteen years ago on June 23, 2007, a 20-year-old Rohit made his international debut against ODIs. Ireland in Belfast. Although the future batting maestro didn’t get a chance to bat or bowl in that rain-curtailed encounter, his journey began on that calendar date. From a middle-order prospect struggling for consistency in his early years to an era-defining upstart, Rohit’s transformation remains an inspiring masterclass in perseverance.
In 2013, Rohit rewrote the white ball record books as he was regularly promoted to open the innings. He remains the only cricketer in history to score three individual double centuries in One Day Internationals, including a breathtaking world record 264 against Sri Lanka. During an illustrious international career, he amassed 11,720 runs in 285 ODIs and retired from the shortest format as India’s highest run-scorer with 4,231 runs in 159 T20Is.
His legacy is cemented more by his tactical brilliance as a leader than his batting. after directing Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, Rohit took over the national captaincy in 2022. It ended a 13-year drought for ICC silverware in India. 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champion He quickly followed, picking up Barbados Champions Cup In 2025.
Rohit is targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup title
Despite retiring from T20Is and Test cricket to manage his workload, the 39-year-old batting icon is far from finished. Rohit proved age is just a number last week when he became the oldest Indian ever to play in an ODI, smashing 79 off 69 deliveries. Afghanistan in the city of Chennai.
Now with the latest civilian honor fueling his motivation, insider reports and cricket pundits suggest that the Hitman has his eyes firmly trained on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having endured agonizing heartbreak in the finals of the home World Cup in 2023, lifting the 50-plus mega-prize remains the last unfinished business for the Mumbai maestro. Buoyed by his explosive current form, the newly minted Padma Shri awardee is determined to lead India and complete his fairytale career with a runaway trophy.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma receives the prestigious Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu
