BCCI nominates Rohit Sharma for Khel Ratna; Ishant, Shikhar & Deepti for Arjuna Award

hitman Rohit Sharma who scored a staggering five centuries in ICC World Cup 2019 has been minated for nation's highest sporting award - Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2020 - by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

BCCI also minated bowling spearhead, Ishant Sharma, opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and women cricketer Deepti Sharma for Arjuna Award.

In a media release, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, said: "We went through a lot of data and considered various parameters before shortlisting minees. Rohit Sharma has set new benchmarks as a batsman and achieved scores people thought were t possible in shorter formats of game. We feel he is worthy of getting prestigious Khel Ratna award for his commitment, conduct, consistency and his leadership skills. Ishant Sharma is most senior member of Test squad and his contribution has been vital in Indian team’s long run as . 1 Test side. Fast bowlers are prone to injuries and Ishant has had a fair share of m but he has fought hard to be back on park every time. Shikhar has been consistently scoring at top and his performances in ICC events have been significant. Deepti is a genuine all-rounder and her contribution to team has been vital. 

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BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said: "re is bigger hour than representing your country and being minated for national awards is a recognition of your hard work. In last five years, Rohit Sharma has t only raised bar with his individual performances but has also led Indian team with distinction in Virat Kohli’s absence. Under his captaincy, India famously won Asia Cup in UAE, Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka and registered many bilateral series wins at home. Rohit has been a perfect team-man and a mentor to youngsters. He deserves highest sporting hour in country. Ishant Sharma has been a warhorse while Shikhar Dhawan lifts team's morale with his fearless approach. Deepti Sharma has contributed a lot in Indian team’s consistent showing in big-ticket events."

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BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said: "Receiving a national award is a huge hour. It is a culmination of your on-field performances and your character off field. Indian cricketers have shown competitive spirit on ground and have come forward to help country in this battle against coronavirus. y have taken part in awareness campaigns, donated money and food grains to relief funds and charities and also connected with ir fans through social media. last Indian cricketer to win Khel Ratna was Virat Kohli and I hope Rohit Sharma too, gets this top award as he thoroughly deserves it. Ishant Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have justified ir talent and put in performances that ir fans can be proud of. Deepti Sharma has contributed both with bat and ball and deserves her mination. I extend my best wishes to all minated cricketers."

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BCCI elaborated reasons for minating four cricketers for awards: 

"Rohit Sharma, Team India’s vice-captain in white-ball format has been a prolific run-getter. Named ICC ODI Cricketer of Year for 2019, stylish opener became first player in history of game to score five ODI centuries in one edition of World Cup. He is also first batsman to score four T20I centuries and is first player to have twin centuries in his maiden appearance as a Test opener."
 
"Shikhar Dhawan holds record for fastest Test century on debut and is only batsman in world to have won two consecutive golden bats (for most runs) in ICC Champions Trophy. He is also quickest Indian batsman to reach 2000 and 3000 runs in ODIs and second-fastest Indian to score 4000 and 5000 runs in ODIs."
 
" youngest Indian to play all three formats of game, Ishant Sharma has been leading Indian pace bowling attack and holds record for most wickets by an Indian pacer outside Asia."
 
"A top-class all-rounder, Deepti Sharma holds record for highest individual WODI score by an Indian player and is also only Indian spinner to take 6 WODI wickets."

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