Virat Kohli awarded Padma Shri

Virat Kohli will receive Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, the government officially announced on Wednesday (January 25). It is also speculated that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.

Kohli had a stellar year, both as a batsman and captain. He led the team to the No. 1 Test ranking before taking over the reins from Dhoni as the limited-overs captain as well. In the last one year, Kohli has scored 1215 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 75.93, including three double centuries.

Kohli becomes the 31st cricketer to win the award with the last one going to Mithali Raj, the India women ODI captain. Sakshi Malik, Dipa Karmakar Vikas Gowda and PR Sreejesh are the other recipients this year.