In a landmark moment for Indian sports, cricket icons Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma have been named recipients of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. The announcement came this Sunday as the central government released its list of 131 distinguished awardees, celebrating the exceptional contributions of two captains who have redefined Indian cricket on the world stage.
For Harmanpreet, the recognition follows a historic 2025 campaign where she led the Indian women’s team to their first-ever ODI World Cup title. At 36, playing in her fifth World Cup, she steered her squad through a high-pressure tournament, overcoming early setbacks to clinch legendary victories against Australia in the semi-finals and South Africa in the final.
A Dream Fulfilled: From Arjuna Award to Padma Shri
Reflecting on the achievement, Harmanpreet shared her joy through a video released by her franchise, the Mumbai Indians. She revealed that the news first reached her father via a call from the President’s House. “I think it’s a very big moment for me. I’m happy that my parents got to know before I did,” she said, visibly moved by the milestone.
Harmanpreet’s journey to this honor has been years in the making. Since her international debut in 2009, she has been a powerhouse for India, most notably gaining global fame for her sensational 171* against Australia in 2017. That same year, she was bestowed with the Arjuna Award. For her, the Padma Shri represents the pinnacle of a lifelong dream—winning a World Cup and receiving the nation’s highest accolades.
Rohit Sharma’s Golden Run and the 2026 Padma Honors
Joining her in the honors list is the men’s captain, Rohit Sharma. Now 38, Rohit has overseen a “Golden Era” for the Men in Blue. His leadership resume is nothing short of extraordinary: a T20 World Cup win in 2024, followed by a Champions Trophy victory in 2025. While he has stepped away from T20s and Test cricket, his sights remain firmly set on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Harmanpreet was quick to extend her congratulations to her fellow captain, noting his tireless work ethic and the significance of this shared moment. The two captains lead a group of 113 Padma Shri recipients from various walks of life, including arts and public service. While the duo took home the Padma Shri, the sporting world also celebrated tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, who was the sole sportsperson to be honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
