Mithali Raj to be honoured by Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, Shikhar Dhawan to receive Arjuna Award

Indian women’s cricket team’s star batter Mithali Raj will be honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. She was one of those cricketers who were recommended by the BCCI in June this year. The batter has been one of the most pivotal cogs of team India’s wheel.

Mithali Raj is the only female cricketer to have graced the cricket field for 22 long years. Over the course of time, with her immense contributions to the sport, she has become a name synonymous with women’s cricket in India. She made her debut for India in the year 1999 and ever since then has been one of the torchbearers of women’s cricket in the country.

Mithali Raj has been the flagbearer of women’s cricket in India 

With her presence on the field, she is renowned to bring a sort of stability and poise for the team amidst a spot of bother. Women’s cricket in India has traveled a long path, and Mithali Raj certainly is one of those who has led the progress from the front. Her success and flair have inspired millions of girls around the country to take up the sport and excel in it by facing all the odds.

The Khel Ratna is India’s highest sporting honour. Last year, Rohit Sharma, Manika Batra, Vinesh Phogat, Rani Rampal, and Mariyappan Phangavelue had received the award.

Shikhar Dhawan to be conferred with Arjuna Award

In June this year, the BCCI had suggested the names of Ravi Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, and Milthali Raj for the prestigious award. While Mithali is set to be awarded the Khel Ratna, Shikhar Dhawan, on the other hand, will be receiving the Arjuna award for his contributions to the sport.

The southpaw has been one of the strongest links of team India’s chain. He has been instrumental in providing the team with steady starts in white-ball cricket. Dhawan has chipped in huge runs whilst opening the innings for the country.

“We had a detailed discussion and it was decided to send in the names of Ashwin and women’s Test and ODI skipper’s name for the Khel Ratna. We are recommending Dhawan again for the Arjuna while we will also suggest the names of Rahul and Bumrah,” a source had said as quoted by News 18.