Rohit Sharma, vice-captain of Indian Cricket team, on Saturday dedicated Khel Ratna award to all his fans for their unwavering support, saying this “wouldn’t have been possible” without them.

This year, Rohit along with paddler Manika Batra, women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and para-athlete T Mariyappan have been awarded the country’s highest sporting honour.

“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,” India’s white-ball vice-captain said on Twitter.

Earlier Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli have received the prestigious award, making Sharma the fourth cricketer to be awarded the Khel Ratna.

“Keep supporting and I promise to bring much more laurels for the country,” he said 

“Since we are practising social distancing, a virtual hug from me to all of you guys,” said the man who hit an unprecedented five hundreds in a single ODI World Cup during the 2019 edition in England.