The BCCI Naman Awards, held on March 15 in New Delhi, was greater than only a formal recognition of cricketing excellence; it was a vibrant celebration of a historic 12 months for Indian cricket. Following a spectacular season the place India secured a number of ICC titles together with the Males’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the Girls’s ODI World Cup 2025, the environment on the gala was electrical.
The night served as a bridge between generations, honoring legends like Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj whereas spotlighting the meteoric rise of younger stars. Nonetheless, amidst the glitz of the trophies and the solemnity of the speeches, one phase stole the highlight for its appeal and humour: a high-energy rapid-fire spherical hosted by the ‘Voice of Cricket,’ Harsha Bhogle.
The joyful rapid-fire showdown of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi
The spotlight of the casual segments was undoubtedly when Bhogle invited Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to the stage for a rapid-fire session. The gamers, shedding their aggressive depth, gave followers a uncommon glimpse into their private lives and childhood inspirations.
When requested about their cricketing idols, the solutions mirrored a various vary of influences. Abhishek Sharma didn’t hesitate to call his mentor Yuvraj Singh, whereas Sanju Samson stayed true to his roots with Sachin Tendulkar. In a traditional witty twist, Hardik Pandya named home legend Wasim Jaffer, whereas the younger Vaibhav Suryavanshi showcased a broad palate, citing each Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh.
The dialog took a nostalgic flip with questions on their first video video games. Whereas Abhishek reminisced in regards to the traditional EA Sports activities’ Cricket 07 and Sanju recalled the open-world chaos of GTA Vice Metropolis, Hardik revealed he was a WWE fan. Proving he’s really a distinct breed of recent teenager, Vaibhav merely said, “Sir, I don’t play video video games,” drawing cheers from the viewers.
The humor continued as they mentioned their first autos. Abhishek began humble with a Honda Activa, and Sanju recalled his Maruti Wagon R. Hardik, recognized at present for his luxurious automotive assortment, shared that his journey started with a Maruti 800. In the meantime, Vaibhav, nonetheless too younger to drive, admitted he hasn’t purchased something but.
One of the vital stunning revelations got here from Samson; when requested in regards to the first match he ever noticed in a stadium, he confessed, “I believe it was an IPL recreation that I used to be a part of. I by no means went to the stadium to look at a match [as a fan].” To cap it off, the gamers shared their cinematic tastes, starting from Sanju’s devotion to Famous person Rajinikanth to Hardik’s odd obsession with Godzilla, Abhishek’s 3 Idiots and Vaibhav’s Dhurandhar.
Right here’s the video:
Champions tackle some quick-fire questions! ⚡
First recreation? First car? & extra ft Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi! 🙌 #NamanAwards pic.twitter.com/pj9KDOma68
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026
Additionally READ: From Rahul Dravid to Shubman Gill: BCCI unveils list of winners for Naman Awards
Main award distributions at BCCI Naman Awards
Whereas the rapid-fire spherical offered the laughs, the core of the Naman Awards was the celebration of record-breaking performances over the 2024-25 season.
Shubman Gill was the person of the hour, clinching his second Polly Umrigar Award for Finest Worldwide Cricketer (Males). The Indian Check and ODI captain loved a legendary 2025, amassing 1,764 runs throughout codecs. His dominance in red-ball cricket was the speak of the night time, particularly his 754-run tally within the five-Check sequence in opposition to England, the place he averaged a staggering 75.40 and registered a career-best 269.
On the ladies’s aspect, Smriti Mandhana made historical past by receiving the Finest Worldwide Girls’s Cricketer award for a report fifth time. Mandhana’s 2025 season was statistically unprecedented; she grew to become the primary lady in ODI historical past to attain 1,000 runs in a calendar 12 months, ending with 1,362 runs within the format. Her pivotal 434-run contribution throughout India’s maiden Girls’s World Cup triumph and her 50-ball century in opposition to Australia—the quickest by an Indian lady—cemented her standing as a worldwide icon.
The BCCI additionally bestowed the celebrated Col. C. Okay. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award upon three giants of the sport:
- Roger Binny: The 1983 World Cup hero and former BCCI President was honored for his many years of service as a participant and administrator.
- Rahul Dravid: “The Wall” was celebrated for his impeccable taking part in profession (over 24,000 worldwide runs) and his latest success because the coach who guided each the U19 and senior males’s groups to World Cup glory.
- Mithali Raj: The trailblazer of Indian girls’s cricket was acknowledged for her 23-year profession and her report 7,805 ODI runs, a feat that continues to be unmatched within the girls’s recreation.
The night time concluded with a way of optimism, as Samson remarked through the ceremony, “India goes to do that an increasing number of typically,” referring to the nation’s rising assortment of silverware.
Additionally READ: Robin Uthappa explains why IPL 2026 will be a challenging season for Vaibhav Suryavanshi
