Having played after a long time need for recognition, and where National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers come into the picture. As of June 2026, cricketers have received prestigious civilian honours such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards, alongside major sporting recognitions like the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award.
This analysis of National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers by cricketer.io examines not only who received these honours but also why certain players have earned multiple awards while others with equally impressive records have not. The trends reveal how consistency, leadership, longevity and contribution to Indian cricket influence national recognition.
Understanding National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers
The National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers fall into two major categories.
The first category includes India’s civilian honours:
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
These awards recognise exceptional service to the nation beyond sporting achievements alone.
The second category consists of National Sports Awards:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
- Arjuna Award
While the Arjuna Award generally honours consistent international performances, the Khel Ratna recognises sustained excellence at the highest level. Together, these honours form the foundation of the National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers.
National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers List (Updated to June 2026)
| Cricketer | Bharat Ratna | Padma Awards | Khel Ratna | Arjuna Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | Bharat Ratna | Padma Shri (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2008) | 1997-98 | 1994 |
| MS Dhoni | — | Padma Bhushan (2018) | 2007 | 2009 |
| Virat Kohli | — | Padma Shri (2017) | 2018 | 2013 |
| Rohit Sharma | — | Padma Shri (2026) | 2020 | 2015 |
| Mithali Raj | — | Padma Shri (2015) | 2021 | 2003 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | — | Padma Shri (2025) | — | 2014 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | — | Padma Shri (2026) | — | 2017 |
| Rahul Dravid | — | Padma Shri (2004), Padma Bhushan (2013) | — | 1998 |
| Kapil Dev | — | Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1991) | — | 1979 |
| Sunil Gavaskar | — | Padma Bhushan (1980) | — | 1975 |
The National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers clearly show that very few players have earned honours across both civilian and sporting categories.
Who Won the Most National Awards?
Among all the National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar remains unmatched.
His honours include:
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Shri
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
- Arjuna Award
No other Indian cricketer has received all five major recognitions. This makes Sachin the most decorated cricketer in India’s national honours system rather than merely its most celebrated batter.
Which Indian Cricketer Won Bharat Ratna?
One of the most searched questions related to the National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers is whether any cricketer has received the Bharat Ratna.
The answer is yes.
Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson and the only cricketer to receive the Bharat Ratna in 2014. The award recognised not just his unmatched records but also his influence on Indian sport over a 24-year international career.
No other Indian cricketer has received the Bharat Ratna as of June 2026.
Virat Kohli National Awards List
The Virat Kohli National Awards List reflects one of the fastest progressions through India’s sporting honours.
| Award | Year |
| Arjuna Award | 2013 |
| Padma Shri | 2017 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna | 2018 |
Kohli’s journey demonstrates how exceptional performances across all three formats, combined with successful leadership, accelerated his recognition. Within five years, he progressed from receiving the Arjuna Award to India’s highest sporting honour.
Also Read: Highest Team Scores in ICC Tournament
Rohit Sharma National Awards and Honours
The Rohit Sharma National Awards and Honours have expanded significantly during the past decade.
| Award | Year |
| Arjuna Award | 2015 |
| Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | 2020 |
| Padma Shri | 2026 |
Rohit’s Padma Shri further strengthens the list of National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers, making him one of the few players to receive recognition through both the sports awards system and India’s civilian honours.
Why Do Some Cricketers Receive More National Awards?
The National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers reveal a consistent pattern.
Longevity Matters More Than Peak Form
Most award recipients maintained elite performances for more than a decade. Sustained excellence carries greater weight than one exceptional tournament.
Leadership Adds Significant Value
Captains who transformed Indian cricket often receive wider recognition. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma combined personal achievements with successful leadership, strengthening their credentials.
Contribution Beyond Statistics
National awards increasingly recognise ambassadors of the sport rather than statistical leaders alone. Discipline, sportsmanship, influence on young cricketers and contributions to Indian cricket all shape award decisions.
Why Have Some Legends Not Won Every Major Award?
A common misconception surrounding the National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers is that every legendary player should receive every honour.
In reality, award timing plays an important role.
Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar competed before the Khel Ratna was introduced. Similarly, many women’s cricket legends spent much of their careers before the sport received today’s level of recognition.
This historical context explains why comparing players across generations solely by awards can be misleading.
Expert Insight: A Clear Pattern Has Emerged
One trend often overlooked in discussions about the National Awards Won by Indian Cricketers is the structured progression followed by many modern stars.
For several players, the sequence has become:
Arjuna Award → Khel Ratna → Padma Shri → Padma Bhushan
Only Sachin Tendulkar has advanced beyond this pathway by receiving the Bharat Ratna. This progression reflects not only sporting excellence but also the growing stature of cricket within India’s national honours system.
Conclusion
National awards go to the cricketers who influence many beyond the runs, wickets, and trophies won, along with leadership, and serving the Indian sport. Sachin Tendulkar continues to set the benchmark with the Bharat Ratna and multiple national honours, recent recognitions for Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Ravichandran Ashwin show that excellence across generations continues to be rewarded.
FAQs
Who has won the most national awards among Indian cricketers?
Sachin Tendulkar has won the most major national honours.
Which Indian cricketer won the Bharat Ratna?
Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian cricketer to receive the Bharat Ratna.
What national awards has Virat Kohli won?
Virat Kohli has won the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Khel Ratna.
What national awards has Rohit Sharma won?
Rohit Sharma has received the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna and Padma Shri.
Rohit Sharma has received the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna and Padma Shri.
They recognise exceptional contribution, consistency and long-term impact on Indian cricket.