Team India's limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Saturday (August 22) thanked and dedicated his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award to the fans for their constant support, while adding that the honor would not be possible without them. Rohit is only the fourth cricketer to receive the country's highest sporting honor.

Before him Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had received the prestigious award which is presented by the President of India.

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"It's been a wonderful ride and to receive such a sporting honour is a great privilege and I am very happy about it and I owe this to you all. Without your support, it wouldn't have been possible," Rohit said on Twitter.

"Keep supporting and I promise to bring much more laurels for the country. Since we are practising social distancing, a virtual hug from me to all of you guys," he added.

Rohit struck five hundreds in the 2019 World Cup in England and holds the record for the most hundreds (3) in ODIs and most hundreds (4) in T20Is. He also smashed hundreds in each innings in his maiden Test as an opener against South Africa. The prolific opener is also a brilliant leader and has done well when asked to lead the Indian team in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli.

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Wishes have poured in for Rohit ever since the Sports Ministry announced the winners' names on Friday. BCCI led the way in highlighting his achievements, before Rohit's teammates congratulated him on his honor. Fast bowler Ishant Sharma and women's cricketer Deepti Sharma were named in the Arjuna Awardees list.