Virat Kohli recieves Padma Shri award at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Virat Kohli on Thursday was conferred with Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award at a ceremony Rashtrapti Bhawan by President Pranab Mukherjee.

The 28-year-old was in outstanding form in 2016, scoring 1215 runs in Test cricket. Virat became the only Indian cricketer to hit four consecutive Test double hundreds. He also led the Indian team to number test rankings after taking over reins from Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"It's a huge honour for me to win the Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian award in this country. It's not just related to sports but it's an appreciation shown by the whole country. It gives me huge pleasure to receive this award," Kohli had told bcci.tv

Indian cricket team skipper was among the 8 sportspersons who were picked up for the prestigious Padmi Shri award alongside P Shreejesh, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar