Top 10 Cricketers With Padma Shri Award In 2025

The Padma Award is one of India's most prized civilian awards to be bestowed for exceptional contributions to the fields that one represents. Among them are the Padma Shri awards, the fourth-highest in the list of civilian awards for Indian cricketers. Here's a list of ten such Indian cricketers who have won this honor:
1. Lala Amarnath (1991)
Lala Amarnath, a legendary figure in Indian cricket, had a brief yet impactful career spanning 24 Test matches. His career was interrupted by World War II, costing him several years of his prime. Despite these challenges, he left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2018)
One of India's most famous captains, MS Dhoni, received the Padma Shri late in his career. A man of cool temperament and a great leader, Dhoni continues to impress the fans through his performances in the IPL. His biopic highlighted his inspirational journey further.
3. Rahul Dravid (2013)
Rahul Dravid, famously known as "The Wall," was awarded the Padma Shri for his consistent contributions to Indian cricket. A true gentleman of the game, he amassed over 24,000 international runs and remains an inspiration for cricketers worldwide.
4. Kapil Dev (1991)
Kapil Dev, the captain who made India win the World Cup in 1983, was conferred with Padma Shri in 1982. He remained a versatile sportsman and took up golf and even wrote books, thus remaining in the pages of history both in and out of the field.
5. DB Deodhar (1991)
Although DB Deodhar never played international cricket, his administrative skills helped Indian cricket immensely. He was the first Indian cricketer to live beyond 100 years and thus a perpetual legacy.
6. Sunil Gavaskar (1980)
Sunil Gavaskar, who became the first cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs, was bestowed the Padma Shri to appreciate that glorious cricketing career. This is the man whose contribution helped Indian cricket achieve its success.
7. Chandu Borde (2002)
Chandu Borde played 55 Test matches, subsequently becoming a selector for Indian cricket team. His performances for domestic cricket and his autobiography "Panther's Paces" are testimonies to his glorious career.
8. Virat Kohli (2017)
Padma Shri awarded Virat Kohli because of his magnificent show in various formats. He is called the "run machine" as his consistent leadership continues to inspire people all over the world to cricket.
9. Vinoo Mankad (1973)
Vinoo Mankad, a multi-skilled player, was rewarded for his immense service provided to Indian cricket. His name is synonymous with cricketing excellence even today.
10. Gautam Gambhir (2019)
Known for his match-winning knocks in the finals during India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup, the player Gautam Gambhir was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019. He was bold on the cricket field and the fans loved him for that.
These cricketers have not only excelled in the sport but have brought immense pride to the nation through dedication and achievement.