The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, honoring distinguished achievements in various fields, including sports. Numerous Indian cricketers will have been recognized for their remarkable achievements in the game of cricket over these years, with cricket being both the most awarded and most recognized sport in the award category due to cricket being a main part of Indian culture. As of April 2025, there are 40 cricketer recipients of the Padma Shri award, made up of 37 men and 3 women, which partly explains why there are more male cricketers on this list due to history. I hope to frame the discourse around the Padma Shri-awarded cricketers, with reasons for why these cricketers have achieved this prestigious recognition, and lastly their legacies as cricketers, with a table to list all the named recipients of the Padma Shri.

The Padma Shri has been awarded to cricketers since 1960. The first Indian cricketer to receive this award was Vijay Hazare. Cricketers are recognized not just for their competitive performances while advocating for and cultivating Indian cricket on and off the field or elevating the status of cricket in India and internationally. There is history and legacy in having led India to momentous victories and other career milestones. Cricketers have even broken world records or placed Indian cricket on the world stage in a developing cricketing nation. Interestingly, 24% of the awards in sports are awarded to cricketers, illustrating the significance of cricket in India.

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List of Cricketers Honored with Padma Shri

Below is a table of 22 explicitly named cricketers who have received the Padma Shri, based on available records up to 2025. While 40 cricketers have been honored, some names are not widely documented in public sources.

Cricketers honored with the Padma Shri embody excellence, perseverance, and national pride. Their achievements have shaped Indian cricket’s legacy, inspiring future generations to dream big and strive for greatness.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was recently put in a disturbing spot when he received two threatening emails. Initially, it was feared that the hand of a terror organization such as ISIS was involved. However, in a turn of events, a 21-year-old engineering student from Gujarat named Jigneshsinh Parmar has been found and arrested concerning the case.

The Central District Police picked up Parmar on Friday after tracing the suspicious emails. During interrogation, inconsistencies in his statements led to further scrutiny. According to the police, Parmar’s family claims that he has been struggling with mental health issues. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities trying to determine whether there was any militant link behind his actions.

Gambhir Receives Death Threats Amid Pahalgam Tragedy: Investigation Underway

The threats against Gambhir arrived on April 22, the same day a horrific terrorist attack unfolded in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives. The two emails sent to Gambhir simply read, “I kill you.” Due to the sensitive timing and suspicious origin of the emails, security agencies took immediate action.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) M Harsha Vardhan confirmed the developments, stating, “Parmar is an engineering student. His family claims that he is suffering from mental health issues. Further investigation is in progress.” He also noted that Gambhir, already under Delhi Police protection, continues to receive appropriate security measures.

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The Rajinder Nagar Police Station officially registered the FIR following Gambhir's complaint. Gambhir highlighted the gravity of the situation and requested immediate action and increased security for his family in his letter to the authorities. Gambhir has been threatened previously as well. He also received death threats in 2022, which led authorities to increase security around him.

Gambhir Condemns Pahalgam Attack Before Receiving Death Threats

Following the Pahalgam attack, Gambhir had taken to social media to strongly condemn the violence, stating, "Our condolences to the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this act will have to pay the price. India will strike back." It was shortly after this post that the threatening emails arrived. While the investigation continues, the Delhi Police are taking no chances with Gambhir’s safety, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Gambhir, a key player in India's cricketing past, performed pivotal roles for the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup wins. The BCCI named him Team India's head coach in 2024 and led the Rohit Sharma-led team to a Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year in Dubai.

The head coach of the Indian cricket team and former MP, Gautam Gambhir, received a chilling death threat involving two emails on April 22 with the subject line, “I KILL YOU.” The two emailed threats originated from a group taking the name of “ISIS Kashmir” just days after 26 people died in the Pahalgam terror attack. With the public already on edge from the terrorist act, the people asking questions about the safety of a high-profile public figure in their own right are taking it to another level. 

Gambhir has never been one to shy away from his opinions against terrorism and in support of national security and quickly alerted the authorities. Gambhir filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police, who quickly registered an FIR and began investigating. Gambhir is not new to these same types of intimidation, as the attacks accompanied him during his political career. However, in light of the current threat assessment and the direct nature of that threat, all the scrutiny attached to his position as one of India's most scrutinized athletes has created heightened concern. 

We have been informed about an alleged threat mail received on an email ID associated with Gautam Gambhir. The matter is being investigated," said DCP (Central) M. Harsha Vardhan.Delhi Police are currently attempting to identify the email's origin. Gambhir's current details have been reviewed and have reportedly been examined and increased. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) could also take part in the investigation, indicating the seriousness of the threat. Gambhir continues to maintain his public commitments but has demanded full protection for himself and his family.

See Also: ' You're sheltering and nurturing terrorists'—Former' Pakistan cricketer blames PM Shehbaz Sharif after Pahalgam attack

Rising Threats to Public Figures in India

Make no mistake, this is not the only case. We are seeing a growing threat to public figures, particularly those aligned with stronger nationalist or anti-terror views, who have increasingly become tertiary targets- and soft targets at that—for extremist groups. The threat matrix has evolved, particularly as the digital realm has been weaponized for intimidation without borders. Public figures and those in the public eye, be they journalists, politicians, social/entertainment figures, or sports and celebrity icons, are increasingly more targeted.

It is now time for the government to change to a proactive way of security. At the end of the day, reactive and passive protection is increasingly inadequate as the threats multiply and become more complex. We need an overhaul of how to specifically do digital surveillance, threat detection, and personal security for those in the public domain. Gambhir has delivered a flare-a cry for help that requires immediate structural change.

Finally, this episode illuminates that fame and service come at a significant personal price during volatile times. As India confronts insecurities internally and externally, it is crisis engagement at every level of society to protect the ambassadors of courage and national pride who openly take risks in terms of their lives-not only to create art but also through dialogue and messaging. The disquieting truth is greatly distasteful, and the time is now to proactively protect these individuals in conflict and danger.

On Tuesday afternoon, a terrible terror attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran valley, also known as "mini Switzerland" because of its green meadows and scenic beauty. The attack killed several people and injured at least 20 others. 

According to reports, the shooting started around 3 PM when the attackers came down from the nearby mountains and began firing. A video from the area shows people lying injured on the ground, while others were crying and searching for family members. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the number of people killed is still being confirmed. He also said that this attack is one of the worst in recent years against civilians.

Leaders Across India Strongly Condemn the Attack

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was deeply saddened by the attack. He posted on X, saying, "Those involved in this act will not be spared." He also said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a meeting with top security officials. Shah is expected to travel to Srinagar to review the situation closely. A meeting was also held at his home in Delhi, attended by senior officials, including the heads of the Intelligence Bureau, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

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Many political leaders strongly condemned the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it an “act of cowardice” and said his prayers are with the victims. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government must take responsibility and take strong steps to stop such violence in the future. Sajad Lone, leader of J&K People's Conference, said the terrorists are enemies of Kashmir’s future. “They don’t want tourists to come here. They want to destroy our peace and economy,” he said. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the violence and said such acts must be rejected by all.

Indian Cricket Community Stands United Against Terrorism

This tragic attack has hurt not just the families of the victims but also the people of Kashmir, who depend on tourism for their income. Just when Kashmir was beginning to see more visitors, this attack has brought fear and pain again. The country now waits for strong action and justice for those who lost their lives in this cruel act of terror.

Indian cricketers also expressed their sorrow. Shubman Gill posted, “Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families.” Gautam Gambhir wrote, “Those responsible will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam.”

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

Targeting innocent tourists is an act of absolute cowardice. Heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Just when it should’ve been the start of a beautiful summer in paradise. Hope the perpetrators are dealt with in the severest manner .. #PahalgamAttack

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 22, 2025

Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir today. While those responsible will be punished, and I’m sure they will, right now there’s a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and the manner in which it all happened. Praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in…

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) April 22, 2025

Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam.
Heart goes out to the victims and their families. 🕉️ शान्ति।
Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 22, 2025

Abhishek Nayar’s appointment back at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has sparked plenty of discussion across domestic Indian cricket. Based on a PTI report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not surprised by Nayar’s reappointment. In fact, the report implied that when BCCI released Nayar, it was only natural that KKR would reappoint him. "Abhishek would never be out of work even though he has been released in such a cruel manner," an unnamed source told PTI. "Everybody in Indian cricket knew that the moment BCCI released him, KKR was going to swoop in and take him back."

Nayar's departure from the Indian team setup, where he was an assistant coach, was just over eight months ago, and while it was reported that he left under bad vibes, his value as a mentor and coach has stayed strong. Many people behind the scenes with first-hand knowledge credit Nayar for mentoring and helping players behind the scenes. One of these players is KL Rahul, for whom Nayar was at least partly responsible for his turnaround in form. His deep understanding of players and the game itself makes him a valuable asset—one that franchises like KKR are keen to hold onto.

Having recently worked with Gautam Gambhir at IPL 2024, Nayar's return to the KKR franchise is a natural transition. Their rapport in the coaching environment was clear, and with Gambhir being the "face" of the franchise, the team returned him so quickly as the first choice, which was not surprising! The franchise has always put value on keeping its continuity and having familiarity in their support staff, two characteristics Nayar possesses plenty of.

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Ties That Bind: KKR and Nayar's Trust

The KKR franchise and Abhishek Nayar have a relationship built on years of professional trust and success. He's always been known as a mentor who truly takes pride in his players succeeding and offers help with not only skills but also with mindset and approach. So, his introduction signifies KKR's commitment to help develop talent both on-field and off-field.

Now that Nayar will be back in the KKR dugout, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Nayar's presence develops KKR's trajectory on their future journeys.

IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

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5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

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 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

Also read: IPL 2025: Updated points table after LSG vs PBKS clash

Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Within 9 months, Team India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, uplifted the ICC T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Now, BCCI and Team India are preparing for another World Cup and other upcoming ICC events. Prior to this, the board can take several decisions that can make a long-term impact on the Men in Blue Brigade.

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A recent media report suggests BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia is likely to meet head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief of selectors Ajit Agarkar, though it is unclear whether this possible meeting will be official or on a personal stance. Saikia, Agarkar, and Gambhir can hold their discussion on March 30 in Guwahati, the scheduled date for the Rajasthan Royals vs. Chennai Super Kings clash at the Barsapara stadium.

The report further claimed that the BCCI apex committee held a discussion table on the 22nd, the day marked for the inauguration day for IPL 2025. BCCI is yet to make a decision about the central contract, where a lot of changes can be seen. Not only that, officials can make some bold steps about staff reshuffle during the possible meeting between Saikia, Agarkar, and Gambhir on March 30. Gambhir has started his journey as the team India head coach with bowling coach Morne Morkel, Rayn Ten Doeschate (assistant coach), and Abhishek Nayar (assistant coach).

Other staff, like T. Dilip, who is the fielding coach of the men's team, and many others in the staff room, have been associated with the team for a long time. It is speculated that BCCI can take crucial decisions about staff reshuffle to allow some fresh air in the team.

Team India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has briefly taken a break and embarked on a vacation to France along with his wife Natasha and daughters Aazeen and Anaeza. This is following India's massive triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025.

With Gambhir as coach, India triumphed in the Champions Trophy after a span of 12 years. This was India's third title in the tournament, their earlier wins being in 2002 and 2013.

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 9th March. There are no international matches scheduled for the next two months, so Gambhir will spend this time relaxing with his family before the IPL begins on 22nd March.

VACATION TIME FOR GAMBHIR...!!!

- Coach & his family left for France for Vacation. [Abhishek Tripathi] pic.twitter.com/OAFwNehceO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2025

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India had a struggling time earlier this year in Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3. There was pressure on Gambhir, but the victory in the Champions Trophy has shut the critics up.

Gambhir has also tasted success in the IPL. In 2024, under his mentorship, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title. Following this, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team. He replaced Rahul Dravid, who ended his term with India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024.

India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is concerned with laying down a strong road map for Team India in all formats right through to the 2027 World Cup. His vision strategy is to develop the team, promoting consistency and depth within the squad.

Gambhir is part of this plan as he will accompany India 'A' to England. This is evidence of his desire to keep close tabs on future stars and provide a smooth in-take process for young players to the top team. With this approach, he hopes to establish a foundation that will serve Indian cricket in the future.

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🚨 ROADMAP OF ALL FORMATS FOR TEAM INDIA 🚨

- Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has been working on a Roadmap across formats till the 2027 World Cup. That's why Gautam to travel with India 'A' to England. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/6Y3hHZPwJa

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 12, 2025

The plan is set to concentrate on:

• Selection of influential players for every format.
• Rotating the seniors to balance workload.
• Developing young players for future battles.
• Building India's bench strength in all formats.

With this long-term plan, Gambhir wants to build a team that stays competitive in all formats and reaches its best at the 2027 World Cup.

India’s Top Run-Scorers in ICC Trophy Wins

India has won many ICC tournaments, and in every victory, some players have played amazing innings. From great players to fearless batters, Let’s look at the top Indian run-getters in each ICC trophy-winning tournament.

1983 World Cup – Kapil Dev (303 runs)

India’s first-ever World Cup win in 1983. Kapil Dev’s fearless approach inspired the team, and his unforgettable 175 against Zimbabwe remains one of the greatest knocks in cricket history of all time. He ended the tournament as India’s top run-scorer with 303 runs in eight matches.

2007 T20 World Cup – Gautam Gambhir (227 runs)

The first-ever T20 World Cup was in 2007. Gautam Gambhir scored Crucial 227 runs in six matches. His match-winning 75 in the final against Pakistan was the best of the tournament.

2011 World Cup – Sachin Tendulkar (482 runs)

Sachin Tendulkar, playing in his last World Cup, led the way with 482 runs in nine matches. His two centuries and consistent performances helped India bring the trophy home after 28 years. Winning the World Cup at home in 2011 was the best moment for every Indian player.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Applauds Team India’s Victory

2013 Champions Trophy – Shikhar Dhawan (363 runs)

India was unbeaten in the 2013 Champions Trophy, thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s incredible form in the 2013 Champions Trophy. He smashed 363 runs in just five matches at an average of 90.75. His attacking style and two centuries made him the standout performer in that tournament.

2024 T20 World Cup – Rohit Sharma (482 runs)

Rohit Sharma once again proved why he’s one of the best in ODI format. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, he led from the front, scoring 482 runs in eight matches with a strike rate of 156.70. His three fifties, including a brilliant 115, helped India lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.

2025 Champions Trophy – Shreyas Iyer (243 runs)

India won in ICC trophy in 2025, and Shreyas Iyer played a key role in winning the Trophy. He scored 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60. His calm and composed batting when need runs were needed, along with crucial knocks in pressure games helped India's dominance in the ICC Champions Trophy and to lift the Trophy.