'I promise to bring many more laurels to the country' - Rohit Sharma reacts to winning Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award

There has been no looking back for Rohit Sharma ever since he donned the opener’s hat of Team India. The prolific opener’s career reached new heights in this new role and to top it off, the swashbuckling batsman even tasted success as the skipper of his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.

The limited-overs skipper of the national team has now added another feather in his cap. Rohit has been conferred with the greatest sports honour of the country, ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’ award. The swashbuckling opener became the fourth cricketer to be awarded the prestigious award.

Apart from Rohit, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli won the award in the past. Twitter was flooded with wishes for Rohit as his fans and teammates congratulated him to receive the honour.

To express gratitude, Rohit also shared a video where he thanked everyone for their wishes and support. He said that it’s a privilege to win such a sporting honour in the country. Rohit also promised to bring many more laurels to the country.

It’s a great privilege and I’m very happy about it: Rohit Sharma

“Hey guys, thank you for your love and support throughout the year. It’s been a wonderful ride. To receive such a sporting honour in India is a great privilege and I’m very happy about it. And, I owe this to you all. Without your support, this wouldn’t have been possible. Keep supporting and I promise to bring many more laurels to the country, Since we’re social distancing, a virtual hug from me to all you guys,” said Rohit in the video.

Thank you for all your wishes and lots of love. pic.twitter.com/vbKaTbfwd7

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 22, 2020

Several members of the cricket fraternity including Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Rohit for getting the sporting honour.

Apart from Rohit, Mariyappan T. (Para-Athletics), Manika Batra (Table Tennis), Vinesh Phogat (Wrestling) and Rani Rampal (Hockey) will be conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year. Two prominent names of Indian cricket– pacer Ishant Sharma and women all-rounder Deepti Sharma will also be awarded Arjuna Award this year.

Rohit has donned the Indian jersey in 224 ODIs, 108 T20Is, and 32 Tests so far, where he has gathered 14029 runs across all three formats. He also has three double tons under his name in One-day Internationals.

The Nagpur-born batsman will be seen in action during the much-awaited IPL 2020, slated to start in UAE from September 19th. The cash-rich league was postponed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and is all set to get underway next month. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit, will be eyeing their fifth IPL trophy this year.