Deepti Sharma recommended by BCCI for Arjuna Award

Deepti Sharma, India’s all-rounder, has been nominated for Arjuna Awards, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday (May 30). It comes after it was expected that Sharma as well as Shikha Pandey would be recommended for the awards. The time-frame considered for the recommendation is January 2016 to December 2019.



“We went through a lot of data and considered various parameters before shortlisting the nominees,” said Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI President. “Deepti is a genuine all-rounder and her contribution to the team has been vital.”



Sharma made her ODI debut in 2014 and has played 54 matches. She has 48 T20Is to her name, having made her debut in 2016.



“There is no bigger honour than representing your country and being nominated for national awards is a recognition of your hard work,” said Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary.



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“Deepti Sharma has contributed a lot in Indian team’s consistent showing in the big-ticket events.”



The off-spinner holds the record for the highest individual ODI score – 188 versus Ireland in 2017. She also is the only Indian spinner to pick up a six-fer in ODIs.



“Receiving a national award is a huge honour,” said Arun Dhumal, the treasurer.



“It is a culmination of your on-field performances and your character off the field. Deepti Sharma has contributed both with the bat and ball and deserves her nomination.”



Last year, Poonam Yadav had won the Arjuna Award.