List of Indian Cricketers Who Won Padma Shri Award (2025)

A total of 42 Indian cricketers have received the Padma Shri award so far.

The Padma Shri is India’s fourth highest civilian award. It comes after the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.

India started this award on 2 January 1954. The Government of India gives this award to people who have done great work in many fields. These fields include art, education, industry, literature, science, acting, medicine, social service and public affairs.

The government announces the Padma Shri winners every year on Republic Day (26 January).

In 2025, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin will receive this major honour. Also, Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur have become new names in the list of Indian cricketers who have received the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Early Pioneers of Indian Cricket (1960s)  

The journey of the Padma Shri awards in cricket began in 1960 when Vijay Hazare and Jasu Patel were honoured. Hazare, India’s first Test-winning captain, played a key role in laying the foundation of Indian cricket. Remembered for his magical 9/69 against Australia in 1959, Patel became household names for his match-winning spin. In 1962, Polly Umrigar, a fearless opener, women’s contractor and one of India’s greatest batsmen of the 1950s, was honoured. Umrigar was India’s highest run-scorer in Tests at the time and played a key role in building India’s batting strength.

The following year, India’s first T20-style entertainer, Syed Mushtaq Ali, received the honour. Known for his fearless stroke play, he has remained a cult figure. In 1964, M.J. Gopal showcased India’s multi-sport talent. By 1965, D.B. Deodhar, known as the Grand Old Man of Indian cricket, was honoured for his lifetime service to the game. His contribution in nurturing young talent for decades went beyond the game.

The Era of New Leaders (1967-1975)  

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the rise of new cricket leaders in India. India’s youngest Test captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (1967) and versatile leg-spinner Chandu Borde (1969) were recognised. In 1970, two pillars of India’s famous spin quartet, Bishan Singh Bedi and E.A.S. Prasanna, received the award. Their artistry with the ball led India to many historic victories. A year later, Gundappa Vishwanath, known for the beauty of his wrists, was honoured. Spin dominance continued with B.S. Chandrasekhar in 1972. Despite battling polio, his unplayable leg-spin continued to trouble the world’s best players.

In the same year, captain Ajit Wadekar, who led India to historic series victories in the West Indies and England, was also honoured with the Padma Shri. In 1973, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Farooq Engineer was honoured for his fearless approach. Two years later, in 1975, Pankaj Roy, who had set the world record for the highest opening partnership with Vinoo Mankad, was recognised.

Similar Post: List of Indian Cricketers Who Won Padma Bhushan Award

Golden Era of Indian Cricket (1980s)  

The 1980s saw India emerge as a global cricketing power. One of India’s finest wicketkeepers, Syed Kirmani (1982), was awarded the award along with Kapil Dev. Kapil’s contribution redefined Indian cricket forever. In 1984, Chuni Goswami, a rare dual-sport talent who represented India in both football and cricket, was awarded the Padma Shri. His recognition reflects the diversity of India’s sporting scene. Two years later, another figure from hockey and cricket, Mohammad Shahid, was honoured. Dilip Vengsarkar (1987), was India’s batting mainstay, especially against the formidable pace attack of the West Indies. A year later, Mohammad Azharuddin (1988), who was renowned for his wrist stroke play, was honoured.

The Sachin Tendulkar Era And Beyond (1990s-2000s)  

The 1990s and 2000s ushered in an era of cricket legends. The “God of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999. His record of centuries and thousands of runs is unmatched. In 2002, Diana Edulji, the pioneer of women’s cricket in India, was honoured for her decades-long contribution. In 2003, off-spinner and later international umpire Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan was honoured. In 2004, the golden batting pair of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly were awarded the Padma Shri. In 2005, Anil Kumble and his 10-wicket haul against Pakistan were honoured. Their courage and determination had made them a legend. By 2009, India’s World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh were honoured.

The Modern Greats (2010-2025)  

The 2010s saw the rise of India’s modern cricket heroes. In 2010, Virender Sehwag, the fearless opener who redefined aggressive batting, was honoured. His triple century is etched in cricketing history. VVS Laxman (2011), famous for scoring 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens, was honoured for his artistry. A year later, one of the greatest women’s fast bowlers, Jhulan Goswami, was honoured with the Padma Shri. She has been a role model for aspiring women cricketers. In 2014, cancer survivor and India’s 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh was honoured. His resilience inspired millions.

The following year, Mithali Raj, India’s highest run-scorer in women’s cricket, was honoured. In 2017, Virat Kohli, one of the world’s best modern batsmen and a dynamic leader, was honoured with the Padma Shri. His consistency and aggression are a symbol of India’s new cricketing spirit. The award was given to Gautam Gambhir (2019), who was known for his match-winning innings in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup final. In 2020, India’s leading bowler Zaheer Khan was recognised for his vital bowling contribution in the 2011 World Cup. In 2023, the renowned coach Gurcharan Singh, who nurtured many young cricketers, received the honour.

Conclusion  

The Padma Shri awardees in Indian cricket reflect the evolution of the game. Each winner has made an invaluable contribution through their match-winning performances. This list is not just about individual recognition; it is a celebration of India’s cricketing journey. It shows how cricket has evolved from a developing sport in the 1960s to a global powerhouse today, with men and women equally on the podium.

Recommended to Read: List of Indian Cricketers Who Won Arjuna Award (From 1961 to 2023)

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Padma Shri award in Indian cricket?

The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award of India. It is given for distinguished contributions in various fields including sports.

Q2. Who was the first cricketer to receive the Padma Shri?

The first cricketers to receive the Padma Shri in 1960 were Vijay Hazare and Jasu Patel.

Q3. How many women cricketers have received the Padma Shri?

Many women cricketers have been recognized. Some of them are Diana Edulji, Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj.

Q4. Which modern Indian cricketers have been honored with the Padma Shri?

Modern Indian stars like MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin have been honored.

Q5. Who is the most recent cricketer in Indian cricket to receive the Padma Shri?

The most recent cricketer to receive the Padma Shri in 2026 is Harmanpreet Kaur.