IPL has had 23 hat-tricks from 19 bowlers between 2008 - 2025, demonstrating that bowlers are still being remembered in a batsman's league. Amit Mishra leads the list of hat-tricks with three, and next is Yuvraj Singh with two hat-tricks. Yuzvendra Chahal made IPL history on April 30, 2025, as he picked up his second IPL hat-trick whilst playing for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium; this was the 23rd hat-trick in IPL.

While the IPL is branded as a batsman's league, bowlers have enjoyed their moment of fame, hat-tricks being some of the best achievements and producing indelible memories. All hat-tricks involve solid skill, accuracy, and game-determining situations. 

Also Read: WATCH: Yuzvendra Chahal picks up second IPL hat trick in IPL 2025

Lakshmipathy Balaji (2008) was the first IPL hat-trick (playing for Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab), registered in the final over of the match! The most recent hat-trick was in 2025 when Yuzvendra Chahal claimed three wickets against Chennai Super Kings. 

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.

Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, has made a huge claim about Arjun Tendulkar's future. Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Yograj believes if his son, Yuvraj Singh, coached Arjun, then junior Tendulkar could be the next Chris Gayle. 

Unlike Sachin, Arjun prepares himself mainly as a bowling all-rounder. Being a child of a sports legend, Arjun had to handle a lot of pressure when he first stepped onto the field in the Mumbai Indians' blue and gold jersey in IPL 2023. 

The left-handed bowler and batter, now 25, so far his career trajectory is pretty underwhelming. He didn't prove his talent enough with Mumbai Indians and in the domestic circuit as well. In 5 matches for the Mumbai-based franchise, he took only 3 wickets and claimed 13 runs in one inning. 

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Keeping an eye on Arjun Tendulkar's career, Yograj Singh predicted the career path can be changed drastically if his son takes the charge. For example, Yograj said about Abhishek Sharma, who was scouted by Yuvraj. Taking one step further, Yograj even said that Arjun can be transformed from a bowler to the next Chris Gayle. 

"With regard to Arjun, I said, Focus less on his bowling and more on his batting. But if Yuvraj—he and Sachin are so close—takes Sachin's son under his wings for three months, I bet he will become the next Chris Gayle. Often it happens that a fast bowler, if he undergoes a stress fracture, cannot bowl as effectively. I think that Arjun should be handed over to Yuvraj for a while," Yograj Singh said in an interview.

Yograj Singh said about Abhishek Sharma's early days

Yograj revealed how Yuvi scouted Sharma from age group tournaments arranged by the Punjab Cricket Association. 

"When we asked about a list of Abhishek Sharma's performances from the PCA and the coaches,. Do you know what they said? Sir, he is a bowler. He bowls. Yuvi said, 'You just look at his performance records.' So, when we saw the record, Abhishek already had 24 hundreds. Yuvi said, 'Why are you giving wrong information? Why? This man has made 24 centuries'. This was six or seven years ago," Yograj informed. 

A Mentor’s Concern Rooted in Hope

Recently Yuvraj Singh, the great encapsulation of the all-rounder cricketer from India, made a poignant self-declaration. When on the media screen, Yuvraj stated that he feels anxious and restless whenever he watches Abhishek Sharma bat in games. To hear that from Yuvraj may shock people, given Abhishek's aggressive and fearless batting style. However, Yuvraj ultimately made scrupulous qualifications to make clear that his restlessness was not because he was fearful for Abhishek, rather because he had massive expectations, following emotional investment with him over many years. As a mentor like Yuvraj, who has literally felt responsible for Abhishek's success whenever he has been around him since his youth, it is understandable why he would feel this way; he wants to see this young cricketer do so well for his own sake and for his country.

watch video:

Yuvraj Singh says he gets restless while watching Abhishek Sharma bat.
(📽 Curly Tales YT)pic.twitter.com/5MzBMHZJbG

— Sunrisers Army (@srhorangearmy) April 22, 2025

Also Read:-IPL 2025 playoff qualification scenario for all 10 teams

High Expectations from a Promising Talent

Whatever the case, Yuvraj (potentially projecting as something akin to cricket's Yoda) has seen some genius when observing Abhishek's exploits on the field. There is promise in the talent Abhishek is showing in domestic/cricket (waiting to see how he performs as a winner when the game is on the line). Yuvraj's and others' enormous hopes for Abhishek and admiration for his extent to baton fearless aggression at the top of the order harkens back to the legacy of old. Yuvraj along with (perhaps) others, has been the architect of Abhishek's development of technician discipline, technique precision, consistent temperament to intervene at critical junctures in the match, and aggression at every opportunity which, given what they have seen, they feel he can win matches for India. The reality is that the path to global uniformity is a slow one. Every mentor, member of Abhishek's development team, and Yuvraj's restlessness with watching Abhishek bat plays out the same tension of faith fusing with fear.

Indian former cricketer Yuvraj Singh recently opened up about his bond with the younger cricketing talents, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, and discussed the emotional rollercoaster he goes through seeing them play. Yuvraj Singh has been a mentor to these players and, also talking about his relationship with them, said , “I get nervous when Shubman or Abhishek are batting, be it for India or for their IPL teams.”

As has been reported, both Shubman and Abhishek represent Punjab, and so does Yuvraj, who has been their guiding World Cup-winning all-rounder. The two do recognize his contribution. Yuvraj has earned the reputation of an extremely disciplined mentor and is still in the apparatus of their careers, constantly providing support for any issues that arise in the form of suggestions and information, particularly when they are experiencing issues related to batting mechanics.

In a recent episode of the Curly Tales YouTube channel alongside his mother, Shabnam Singh, Yuvraj shared, “I feel nervous when Abhishek and Shubman are batting.” She also added with a touch of humor that “younger lots of cricketers are actually scared of Yuvraj because he is quite intimidating.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Also read: 'Dhoni has resigned to fate' – Aakash Chopra makes bold statement on MS Dhoni’s mindset amid IPL 2025

Yuvraj’s Monitoring on Punjab’s Cricketing Gems: Strict Mentor, Gentle Heart

Shabnam relayed that Yuvraj calling to review matches is the reason some players, such as Shubman and Abhsiek, get anxious. “He’ll call and say, ‘What kind of shot did you play?’ and they get petrified,” she said, smiling at how seriously he takes his role as a mentor.

In other news, Abhishek Sharma crossed a new milestone after getting his maiden BCCI central contract, which was under grade C due to his stellar performance in T20Is for India, where he scored two centuries. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has also been performing great and maintained his position in grade A, which makes him one of the best Indian batters.

A Father's Advice, A Cricket Player's Rejuvenation

Abhishek Sharma, Punjabi left-handed dynamo opener, is one of India's most promising young stars. But his rise to stardom wasn't overnight—it was guided by hard discipline and timely advice. The process begins with Yograj Singh, father of Indian cricket sensation Yuvraj Singh, who imparted an invaluable lesson to his son: "If you can subdue Abhishek's nightlife, he'll become a fantastic cricketer."

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Yuvraj followed that advice. He invited Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to his house—not for comfort, but for toil. The environment was all about discipline: no celebration, no late-night revelry—severe focus and effort. Yograj even joked that Yuvraj had kept slippers in readiness to punish them if needed, comparing Abhishek to a "wild horse" who needed severe handling.

This was a period that was to become a turning point in Abhishek's life. It was not just about learning to play cricket, but about acquiring mental resilience, habit, and dedication—qualities that were to stand him in good stead throughout his professional life.

Can I recommend someone @YUVSTRONG12??? pic.twitter.com/xj0T4Vmenk

— Ishan's🤫🧘🧡 (@IshanWK32) April 21, 2025

Also Read:-[WATCH] IPL 2025: Ayush Mhatre meets former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma after his eventful debut match

IPL Brilliance and International Breakthrough

After the lockdown, the harvest of this stringent grooming was apparent. Abhishek set ablaze the season of 2024 IPL as Sunrisers Hyderabad player. His aggressive and fearlessness approach allowed him to amass 484 runs from up to 16 matches with a stunning strike rate of over 204. His partnership with Travis Head stood as one of the standout pairings of the tournament.

SRH's former captain Kane Williamson has been effusive in praise of Abhishek's exceptional talent, describing him as a "natural ball timer" with the unusual ability to change shots in mid-air—a skill so second-order even at the international level.

Within a matter of time from his IPL heroics, Abhishek received an Indian T20 call-up. He carried his form in the national jersey as well, scoring two centuries in only 17 T20I matches, having a strike rate close to 194 and an average above 33.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma delivered one of the most electrifying performances of IPL 2025 during their clash against Punjab Kings on Saturday. The left-hander unleashed a sensational assault on the PBKS bowlers, scoring a breathtaking 141 runs off just 55 balls. His blistering innings powered SRH to a record-breaking chase of 246 runs, finishing the job with 12 balls to spare. The win came at a crucial time for the team, which had been struggling after four consecutive losses. Abhishek's heroic knock not only ended their losing streak but also lifted the team from the bottom of the points table, injecting much-needed energy and belief.

What caught everyone’s attention even more was Abhishek’s unique celebration upon reaching his maiden IPL century. He pulled out a handwritten note from his pocket and held it up for the cameras. The message was simple yet heartfelt: "This one is for Orange Army." 

Also Read: [Watch] IPL 2025: Fans Chant 'Sanju Samson Hay Hay' at Agarwal College in Jaipur Ahead of Clash Against RCB

Later, during a post-match chat with the broadcasters, his opening partner Travis Head revealed an interesting detail behind the moment. Head shared that Abhishek had been carrying that note in his pocket since the beginning of the season, waiting for the right moment to reveal it. After five matches without a major contribution, it was finally in the sixth game that he delivered his finest performance yet and fulfilled his promise to the fans. It was not just a statement of intent but a touching tribute to the supporters who stood by SRH during their tough run.

 “The note has been in the pocket of Abhishek Sharma for 6 games, glad it came out tonight,” said the Australian batter. 

Special mention to Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav:  Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma, who had been enduring a lean patch this season, bounced back spectacularly with a stunning knock of 141 off just 55 balls, guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings. His explosive innings powered SRH to chase down a daunting target of 246, marking the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. The win not only ended SRH’s four-match losing streak but also brought renewed hope to the team’s campaign.

"This one is very special, because I wanted to break that losing streak. Losing four back-to-back matches was very tough. But we never talked about it in the team. Special mention to Yuvi paji (Yuvraj Singh) and Suryakumar (Yadav) as well. They have been in touch with me," said Abhishek, after remarkable innings.

India has won numerous ICC trophies in the past, with some players giving excellent performances at the right time.

The players who received the most Man of the Match awards during each winning campaign:

1983: Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath was a crucial member of India's historic World Cup victory. He received two Man of the Match awards, one for the semi-final against England and another for the final against West Indies. His all-round play, providing important wickets and solid batting, assisted India in capturing the trophy.

2002: Virender Sehwag

India co-shared the Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, and Virender Sehwag was one of the stars of the tournament. He received two Man of the Match awards for his explosive batting and effective bowing contributions.

ALSO SEE: Players With Most Sixes In Champions Trophy 2025

2007: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh played a major role in India's success in the first T20 World Cup. He received two Man of the Match awards, both for one against England when he hit six sixes in an over and the second for his aggressive knock against Australia in the semi-final.

2011:Yuvraj Singh

The 2011 World Cup was ruled by Yuvraj Singh, who collected four Man of the Match awards. He scored important innings with the bat and also chipped in with the ball, thus becoming the pillar of India's campaign. His all-round excellence guided India to lift the trophy after 28 years.

2013:Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja was one of the star performers in India's 2013 Champions Trophy victory. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his all-round performances, including match-winning bowling efforts and aggressive lower-order hitting.

2024: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was the match-winner for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his superb bowling performances, contributing significantly to India's victory.

2025:Virat Kohli

One of the all-time great batsmen, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He earned two Man of the Match awards to establish himself as a player who can perform under pressure and took India to another ICC title.

From Mohinder Amarnath in 1983 to Virat Kohli in 2025, each ICC victory has been crafted by the players who played when it counted. With additional tournaments in store, people can't help but wait for the next big star who will lead India to victory.

During the first game of the International Masters T20 League, Yuvraj Singh displayed his longevity in athleticism through a stunning boundary catch, eliciting applause from the crowd, including Sachin Tendulkar's daughter Sara Tendulkar.

An Iconic Gathering on the Field:

In a highly awaited match, cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh came together on the pitch after ten years, playing for the India Masters in the first match of the International Masters League IMLT20 2025. The first match, played at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, was between the India Masters and the Sri Lanka Masters.

The Amazing Boundary Catch of Yuvraj Singh:

The highlight of the night was Yuvraj Singh's superb display of fielding. Placed close to the boundary, Yuvraj pulled off an outstanding catch to get rid of a well-established Sri Lankan batsman, highlighting his sustained athleticism and quick reflexes. This turning point turned the game in the favor of the India Masters with loud applause from the audience.

Contributions to Batting : 

Earlier in the game, Yuvraj contributed importantly with the bat, aggregating a brisk 31 runs off 22 deliveries. His half-century partnership with unbeaten Yusuf Pathan, who blazed his way to a 56 off 22 balls, took India Masters to a commanding total of 222/4 from their 20-over stipulated quota

A Positive Beginning to the Competition:

The smooth delivery of the first match, featuring Yuvraj Singh's outstanding catch and batting, has raised a good precedent for the balance of the competition. Viewers all over the globe are excitedly waiting to witness more sensational performances as the International Masters League T20 2025 goes on.

International Masters League (IML) 2025 is a tournament in cricket involving legendary players from different parts of the world. The tournament will be held in India and has matches lined up in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur. Cricket enthusiasts can watch the matches on TV and online as well. Given below are the full details of watching the tournament live.

Tournament Schedule

• Start Date: February 22, 2025
• Number of Matches: 18 matches, including group-stage games, semifinals, and the final.
• Match Timings: All games will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
• Opening Match: India Masters vs. Sri Lanka Masters at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Live Streaming and TV Broadcast

• TV Channels: The matches will be broadcast live on Colors Cineplex (SD & HD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits.
• Online Streaming: Fans can watch the matches online via the JioHotstar app and website.

Teams Participating

• India Masters
• Sri Lanka Masters
• Australia Masters
• England Masters
• West Indies Masters
• South Africa Masters

India Masters Squad: Sachin Tendulkar (c), Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, R Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun, Saurabh Tiwary

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Players to Watch

Cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara are expected to participate, making this a must-watch event for fans.