A Tribute to Icons of Indian Cricket
Indian cricket will celebrate some of its most influential figures as the Board of Control for Cricket in India prepares to honour three legendary players—Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny and Mithali Raj—with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi on March 15.
The awards come at a moment of extraordinary success for Indian cricket, with national teams across formats winning multiple global titles between 2024 and 2026. By recognising these stalwarts, the BCCI aims to celebrate the individuals who helped shape the modern era of Indian cricket through their performances, leadership and long-term contributions to the game.
Rahul Dravid: The Wall Who Built a New Generation
Few players embody discipline and consistency like Rahul Dravid, widely known as “The Wall.” During a distinguished international career, Dravid scored 13,288 runs in Test cricket, including 52 centuries, and added 10,889 runs in One-Day Internationals.
His batting resilience proved crucial during India’s memorable overseas victories in the early 2000s, including the historic tours of England and Australia in 2003–04. Dravid also played a key role in India’s triumph at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, marking the culmination of an illustrious playing career.
After retirement, Dravid’s influence on Indian cricket continued to grow. As head coach of the national team from 2021 to 2025, he oversaw a transitional period that produced several new stars and guided India to the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. His tenure also saw India lift the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
For his decades of service, leadership and integrity, Dravid will receive the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
Roger Binny: From World Cup Hero to Cricket Administrator
Roger Binny’s legacy in Indian cricket dates back to one of the sport’s most iconic moments—the 1983 Cricket World Cup victory. Playing under the leadership of Kapil Dev, Binny emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets, including a crucial performance in the final against the West Indies cricket team.
That historic triumph transformed Indian cricket and inspired generations of players. After retiring from international cricket, Binny continued to contribute to the sport in multiple roles.
He served as a selector for the national team, mentored younger players and later guided India’s Under-19 team to victory in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His administrative career reached its peak when he served as president of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, overseeing significant growth in the sport’s governance and commercial expansion.
Mithali Raj: The Architect of Women’s Cricket in India
In women’s cricket, Mithali Raj stands as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Over a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, she became the highest run-scorer in women’s One-Day Internationals with 7,805 runs.
As captain, Raj led India to major milestones, including the final of the 2017 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. Her calm leadership and classical batting technique helped elevate the profile of women’s cricket in India and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the sport professionally.
Raj’s influence extends beyond records; she helped transform women’s cricket into a widely followed and commercially viable sport in India.
Honouring the Builders of Indian Cricket’s Success
The recognition of Dravid, Binny and Mithali Raj reflects more than individual achievements—it acknowledges the foundations they laid for Indian cricket’s global rise. From Binny’s pioneering World Cup triumph to Dravid’s mentorship of a new generation and Raj’s revolution in women’s cricket, each played a defining role in shaping the sport’s journey.
As Indian cricket enters a new era of dominance and global influence, these honours serve as a reminder that today’s success stands on the dedication and vision of those who built the game’s legacy.
(With agency inputs)
