Indian cricket team's limited-overs skipper Rohit Sharma took to social media to post a short video on Saturday to thank his fans and well-wishers for showering all the love and showing immense support after the hard-hitting opener was conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the country's highest sporting honor. ALSO WATCH | 'Your Legs Are Too Long': MS Dhoni Swaps His Business Class Seat With Economy Class Passenger
Rohit Sharma is the fourth Indian cricketer after Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar to be conferred with the Khel Ratna Award.
The star opener was in brilliant batting form last year as he scored a record five tons in the 2019 World Cup edition and was also the highest-run score for team India.
In the 32-second video posted on his official Twitter handle, Rohit Sharma said, "Hey guys, thank you very much for all your well wishes 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 am very happy about it. And I owe this to you all. Without your support all this wouldn't have been possible. So, keep at it, keep supporting, and yes I promise to bring many more laurels to the country."
Rohit is among the five other sports personalities to receive the Khel Ratna award, which is given to an athlete for his, or her, spectacular performance for the nation at the highest level over a period of four years.
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli congratulated Rohit, Ishant and Deepti Sharma and wrote: "Congratulations @ImIshant and @ImRo45 for your respective Arjuna and Khel Ratna Awards Clapping hands sign and to @Deepti_Sharma06 for her Arjuna Award as well. Big congratulations to all the other winners across different sports. Proud moment to remember for each sportsperson."
BCCI too congratulated Rohit Sharma for great achievement.
"Congratulations @ImRo45 for being conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 2020, India’s highest sporting honour. He is only the fourth Indian cricketer to receive this award. We are proud of you, Hitman!" tweeted BCCI.
Team India's red-ball specialist Ishant Sharma and Indian women's star spinner Deepti Sharma are among the Arjuna awardees.