Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma Honored with Padma Shri: India's World Cup Winning Captains Receive Nation's Fourth-Highest Civilian Award

In a momentous recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Indian cricket, World Cup-winning captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma have been nominated for the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour. The central government announced a comprehensive list of 131 nominees on Sunday, with both legendary cricketers receiving well-deserved acknowledgment for their leadership and achievements on the world stage.

Harmanpreet Kaur: The Pioneer of Indian Women's Cricket

Historic World Cup Triumph

Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in the annals of Indian cricket history last year when she led India to their first-ever world title in women's cricket. The 36-year-old veteran, competing in her fifth ODI World Cup, displayed remarkable resilience and leadership as she guided the team through a challenging campaign on home soil.

After suffering three successive defeats that threatened to derail their campaign, Harmanpreet's team mounted a stunning comeback. They defeated Australia in a nail-biting semi-final before clinching glory against South Africa in the final, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in World Cup history.

A Journey of Dreams Fulfilled

Harmanpreet's international career began in March 2009, and she rose to worldwide prominence in 2017 with one of the greatest innings ever witnessed in World Cup cricket against Australia. That stellar performance earned her the Arjuna Award the same year.

Reacting to the Padma Shri nomination, an emotional Harmanpreet shared her joy:

"My dad got a call from President House. This year I'm going to get the Padma Shri Award. I think it's a very big moment for me. And I'm happy that, you know, before me my parents got to know."

She added:

"The moment I started playing cricket, I've been dreaming about winning the World Cup and Arjuna Award and then Padma Shri Award, this is a very big achievement for me."

Rohit Sharma: The Complete Captain

A Trophy-Laden Legacy

Rohit Sharma, 38, has assembled one of the most impressive captaincy records in Indian cricket history. His journey to the Padma Shri is paved with remarkable achievements:

• Led India to the ODI World Cup final in 2023
• Won the T20 World Cup in 2024, ending India's long wait for an ICC trophy
• Claimed the Champions Trophy in 2025, cementing his legacy as one of India's greatest captains

Transition and Future Aspirations

Following the T20 World Cup triumph, Rohit announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. He subsequently stepped away from Test cricket at the conclusion of the 2024-25 Australia tour. However, the Hitman isn't done yet—he is currently working towards representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game.

Harmanpreet was gracious in acknowledging her fellow captain's achievement:

"Many many congratulations to Rohit also. We have seen how, you know, he has been really working hard and I think it's a great moment for him."

The Broader Recognition of Indian Sports

Padma Awards 2026 Overview

The Padma Shri nominations for 2026 included a total of 113 individuals across diverse fields including sports, arts, literature, and public service. The recognition of both Harmanpreet and Rohit underscores the growing stature of cricket and its practitioners in the national consciousness.

Notably, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj was the only sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, highlighting the exceptional company in which Harmanpreet and Rohit now find themselves.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Indian Cricket

The Padma Shri recognition for both captains marks a significant milestone in Indian cricket's evolution. Harmanpreet continues to lead the women's team with distinction, while Rohit's focus on the 2027 ODI World Cup gives fans hope for more memorable moments.

Their parallel journeys—from emerging talents to world-conquering captains and now Padma Shri recipients—serve as inspiration for the next generation of Indian cricketers. The award ceremony in 2026 will be a celebration not just of two individuals, but of the golden era of Indian cricket that they have helped define.

As Indian cricket continues its ascendancy on the global stage, the recognition of Harmanpreet Kaur and Rohit Sharma with the Padma Shri represents the nation's gratitude for their unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and the unforgettable moments of glory they have delivered.