I am honoured that BCCI recommended my name for Arjuna Award: Rohit Sharma

Mumbai, April 27: Indian batsman Rohit Sharma today expressed delight about the BCCI's decision to recommend his name for the government's prestigious Arjuna Award and said that he felt "honoured".

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"Kushi to bahut hai (I feel very happy). I am honoured that BCCI has recommended my name. It felt very good when I heard it yesterday," said Rohit at a promotional event for adidas here.

BCCI took the decision to put forth Rohit's name to the government for the Arjuna Award yesterday at its working committee meeting in Kolkata.

The 27-year-old Mumbaikar scored a brilliant 264 against Sri Lanka last season, the highest score by anyone in the world in ODI cricket, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He is the only batsman to have scored two ODI double hundreds.

'We could have batted better'

Rohit, who is leading Mumbai Indians at this year's Indian Premier League cricket event, said though the team's performance has not been good so far, the squad members are hoping to carry the momentum they got when defending a small total successfully against Sunrisers Hyderabad two days ago.

"We could have batted better. Our bowlers won us the game though we were defending a small total. We are hoping to carry the momentum into our next game (against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on May 1)," said Rohit.

"We have quality in the team. We defended 157 which is not easy to do at the Wankhede Stadium. We are also the side which has scored 210. We have to continue the momentum." "I know we have not performed well, two wins in seven is not good. But we were in similar situation last year too and qualified (for the play-offs). I am not saying we should do so every year," he explained.

'Losing Hazlewood, Anderson big blows'

Though MI has lost the services of Australia's Josh Hazlewood, who has pulled out of the tournament, and injured New Zealand all rounder Corey Anderson, Rohit said there were others who now have the chance to step up to the plate and deliver.

"Losing Hazlewood before the tournament and Anderson after he played a few games for us were big blows as they were in good form coming into the IPL. But this has given a chance to Colin Munro (of New Zealand), who appears to be a very promising cricketer, and Mitchell McClenaghan (New Zealand). Let's wait and watch," said Rohit.

The right-handed batsman, who does not play unorthodox shots even in T20 cricket, said there was no reason for him to do so as he can clear the rope with conventional strokes.

"Why should I try and play innovative shots when I can clear the ground in front. As a batsman you should know your strengths and back them," he remarked.

PTI