The Arjuna Award, established in 1961 by the Government of India, is a prestigious honor bestowed upon outstanding athletes for their exceptional achievements in various sports. Named after the legendary warrior Arjuna from the Indian epic Mahabharata, the award recognizes athletes who have displayed outstanding sportsmanship, excellence, and consistency. Several cricketers have been honored with the Arjuna Award, including iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, and Mithali Raj. These cricketing legends have not only excelled in their respective formats but have also contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of cricket in India. Latest addition to it is Mohammed Shami.
However, there exist three cricketing stalwarts who, despite their extraordinary contributions to the game, have yet to receive this prestigious honor.
Top 3 Legendary Indian Cricketers Who Never Won The Arjuna Award:
MS Dhoni:
Arguably one of India’s greatest cricketing icons, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s illustrious career has been marked by triumphs on the field. From leading the Indian team to victory in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 to lifting the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Dhoni’s leadership has etched a mark in cricketing history. His strategic brilliance and unparalleled calmness under pressure have made him a cricketing legend. However, the elusive Arjuna Award has somehow eluded this cricketing maestro, leaving fans and pundits perplexed.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a game-changer for the Indian cricket team. His unconventional action, combined with pinpoint accuracy, has made him one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Bumrah’s ability to deliver toe-crushing yorkers in the death overs has earned him accolades globally. Despite his meteoric rise and consistent performances in all formats of the game, the Arjuna Award remains a missing jewel in Bumrah’s illustrious cricketing crown.
ALSO READ: “X-Factor” Suresh Raina Picks India’s Wicket-Keeper For The T20 World Cup 2024
Suresh Raina:
Suresh Raina’s impact on Indian cricket extends beyond the boundary ropes. An integral part of India’s limited-overs success, Raina’s aggressive batting and exceptional fielding have been pivotal in many victories. As a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, Raina’s contributions in crunch situations have often gone unnoticed. Despite being a limited overs specialist and a stalwart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina’s name did not get engraved on the Arjuna Award roll of honor.
Mohammed Shami and his mother with the Arjuna Award…!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BgubLkJtuO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2024
