Meet Indian Cricketers Honoured With Major Dhyan Chand Award: Sachin Tendulkar To MS Dhoni - Check Full List

Sachin Tendulkar was the first cricketer to receive India’s highest sporting honour, the Khel Ratna Award, in 1997-98. His stellar performance, including centuries and consistency across formats, made him a sporting icon. 

By then, Tendulkar had already notched up over 9,900 runs in international cricket, with 26 centuries and 54 fifties, setting new benchmarks for future generations. 

In 2007, MS Dhoni received the Khel Ratna, recognising his calm leadership and career-defining performances, including guiding India to its inaugural ICC T20 World Cup triumph. 

(Award Received By MS Dhoni's Father)

Dhoni’s legacy includes becoming the only captain to win all three major ICC trophies: the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy, cementing his place among cricketing 

Virat Kohli was honoured with the Khel Ratna in 2018, applauded for his prolific run-scoring, consistency in all formats, and leadership qualities that inspired the modern era of Indian 

By the time of the award, Kohli had already accumulated over 20,000 runs internationally, dozens of centuries, and accolades like multiple ICC Player of the Year awards and Captain of the Decade honors 

In 2020, Rohit Sharma became the fourth Indian cricketer to receive the Khel Ratna. His dominance was particularly notable in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored 5 centuries, the most by any batter in a single edition. 

Rohit holds the world record for highest individual ODI score (264), most centuries in a single World Cup (5 in 2019), and is one of the most successful captains in IPL history. 

Mithali Raj holds the distinction of being the first woman cricketer to win the Khel Ratna in 2021, a milestone in the recognition of women’s cricket in India. 

Her career spans over 22 years, with more than 10,000 international runs, including 8 centuries and 77 fifties. She led India to two Women’s World Cup finals and inspired a generation of female cricketers. 

All Images: X, BCCI