The Board of Control for Cricket in India has nominated India’s limited over vice-captain for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. Rohit Sharma has been in prolific form in the last few years and he was the highest run-getter of the 2019 World Cup with 648 runs. The flamboyant was also awarded the ICC ODI cricketer of the year award for his fine performances.
On the other hand, the Indian board has nominated Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, and Deepti Sharma for the Arjuna Awards. All these three players have been at their best in the recent past and they have done a fine job for the Indian team.
Rohit Sharma has been in prolific form
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said as quoted by BCCI.TV, “Rohit Sharma has set new benchmarks as a batsman and achieved scores people thought were not possible in the shorter formats of the game. We feel he is worthy of getting the prestigious Khel Ratna award for his commitment, conduct, consistency, and his leadership skills”.
The government of ministry of youth affairs and sports has sought invitations for the respective awards for the performances between 1st January 2016 and 31 December 2019.
Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan has been at his best in the major ICC events. He was the golden bat winner in both the Champions Trophy editions of 2013 and 2017. Dhawan has been a consistent performer for the Indian team in the ODI format.
On the other hand, Ishant Sharma has turned the tide in the last three years. The lanky fast bowler is the most improved pacer and he is now the pack leader of the side. The Delhi fast bowler has scalped 297 wickets in 97 Test matches.
Deepti Sharma is a genuine all-rounder and she has been instrumental in the success of the Women’s team. She has impressed with both the bat and ball and the southpaw holds the record for the highest individual (188) by Indian batswoman. She is also the solitary Indian spinner to take six wickets in an ODI inning.
Ganguly added, “Ishant Sharma is the most senior member of the Test squad and his contribution has been vital in the Indian team’s long run as the No. 1 Test side. Fast bowlers are prone to injuries and Ishant has had a fair share of them but he has fought hard to be back on the park every time. Shikhar has been consistently scoring at the top and his performances in the ICC events have been significant. Deepti is a genuine all-rounder and her contribution to the team has been vital”.
All these four players will look to continue their good work for the national side and they have rewarded for their hard work.