Rohit Sharma nominated for Arjuna Award ahead of Sri Lanka Test series

Rohit Sharma is currently the only batsman in the world to score two ODI double-tons.

Rohit Sharma was nominated for the Arjuna Award, the decision of which was made by a 12-member committee meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. The star batsman is currently in Sri Lanka for the upcoming three-match Test series that is scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 12. According to a report by India Today, eminent sportspeople such as Jitu Rai (shooting), Dipa Karmakar (gymnastics), M.R. Poovamma (athletics), Sharath Gayakwad (para-swimming) are some of the other names that are likely to be nominated for the award. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the last cricketer to win the award, getting the award a year after Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the award in 2013. READ: Ravichandran Ashwin receives Arjuna Award

While Rohit is yet to make a mark in Tests, he already has carved a niche for himself in limited-overs cricket, especially One-Day Internationals (ODI). The right-handed batsman from Mumbai has the distinction of being the only batsman to score two ODI double-hundreds, which were scored against Australia (209) and Sri Lanka (264) in 2013 and 2014 respectively. READ: List of Indian cricketers to receive Arjuna Award

Rohit is currently gearing up with the rest of the Indian squad in Sri Lanka for the first Test at Galle. Skipper Virat Kohli will aim to register his first win in the process, after having drawn two and lost one in the three Tests that he has captained so far in his short stint as captain. Amit Mishra earned a surprise call into the Test side, and has the chance to play in the format after a gap of four years. India received a major blow when Murali Vijay was ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury, with KL Rahul occupying his place as the opener alongside Shikhar Dhawan. PREVIEW: India vs Sri Lanka 2015, 1st Test at Galle

About the Author

•