The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sports honor, presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It recognizes athletes for their “spectacular and most outstanding performance” at the international level over four years.
Sachin Tendulkar (1997-98)
Legendary Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to win the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for his outstanding performances in 1997-98. By then, he had scored 9,940 runs in 231 matches at an average of 43.21, including 26 centuries and 54 fifties. Tendulkar was also the highest run-scorer in the 1996 Cricket World Cup with 523 runs at an average of 87.16, further solidifying his iconic status. His career later saw him become the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna Award.
MS Dhoni (2007-08)
One of India’s finest captains, MS Dhoni, received the Khel Ratna in 2007-08 after leading India to victory in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. Across formats, Dhoni scored 17,266 runs at an average of 44.96, captaining India in 332 games with 178 wins. He remains the only captain to win all three ICC trophies: the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy.
Virat Kohli (2018)
Indian skipper Virat Kohli earned the Khel Ratna in 2018, lauded as one of cricket’s best-ever players. Known for his prowess in all formats, Kohli had amassed 22,818 runs in 435 matches, averaging 55.78 with 70 centuries and 115 fifties. Under his captaincy, India reached new heights in Test cricket, winning 128 out of 200 matches under his leadership.
Rohit Sharma (2020)
Rohit Sharma, India’s prolific opener, was the latest cricketer to receive the Khel Ratna. He was the top run-scorer in the 2019 World Cup with 648 runs and a record 5 centuries in a single edition. Since opening in ODIs from 2013, Rohit has scored three double centuries in ODIs and was the first Indian to play 100 T20Is. His achievements reflect his transformative impact on the team and the game.