Pic: Twitter
Srinagar, May 29: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Saturday nominated Rohit Sharma for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma and Deepti Sharma for Arjuna award.
Rohit, who has been performing consistently for India in limited overs cricket, had an unreal World Cup 2019, hence getting nominated for the highest sporting honor in India.
Pertinently, pacer Ishant Sharma and opener Shikhar Dhawan, for their accolades, were nominated for Arjuna award alongside women cricketer Deepti Sharma.
“We went through a lot of data and considered various parameters before shortlisting the nominees,” Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president, said via a media release, reported ESPNCricinfo.
“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.”
Ganguly said while Ishant has been around for a while, Shikhar earned the nomination for his consistency.
“Ishant Sharma is the most senior member of the Test squad and his contribution has been vital in 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.” Ganguly remarked.
Shikhar has been consistently scoring at the top and his performances in the ICC events have been significant. Deepti is a genuine allrounder and her contribution to the team has been vital.”