BCCI Congratulates 'Hitman' Rohit Sharma On Being Awarded Khel Ratna

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma after the India ODI vice-captain was chosen for this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

Rohit, who had dream World Cup last year where he accounted for 1490 runs at an average of 57.30, will become only the fourth cricketer to be conferred with Khel Ratna.

Also read: Khel Ratna for Rohit, Ishant & Deepti picked for Arjuna

Previously, Virat Kohli (2018), MS Dhoni(2007) and Sachin Tendulkar(1997-98) were conferred with this prestigious award.

"Congratulations Rohit Sharma for being conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 2020, India's highest sporting honour. He is only the fourth Indian cricketer to receive this award. We are proud of you, Hitman!" said BCCI in a tweet.

Congratulations @ImRo45 for being conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 2020, India’s highest sporting honour. He is only the fourth Indian cricketer to receive this award.

We are proud of you, Hitman! pic.twitter.com/ErHJtBQoj9

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 21, 2020

Rohit’s teammate Shikhar Dhawan and his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians too joined BCCI in congratulating him.

Congratulations on the being conferred with the prestigious #KhelRatnaAward partner! Proud of you bro 👏 @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/XKHhVSaLRO

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 21, 2020

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 21, 2020

Meanwhile, pacer Ishant Sharma and women's team all-rounder Deepti Sharma have also been chosen for the Arjuna Award. Ishant picked up 25 wickets in six Tests last year at an impressive average of 15.56.

Also read: Ishant among 29 recommended for Arjuna

On the other hand, Deepti, who was part of the side that reached the Women's T20 World Cup final in Australia, picked up 19 wickets in T20Is and 15 wickets in ODIs last year.

Congratulations! The SHARMAAAAAS – Well done Ro for Khel Ratna and Ishi for Arjuna - @ImRo45 @ImIshant pic.twitter.com/lfYiqP6Ofl

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 22, 2020

The award ceremony will be held virtually on August 29 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.