India batsman Rohit Sharma expressed delight about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to recommend him for the government's prestigious Arjuna Award, saying he feels "honoured".
"Kushi to bahut hai (I feel very happy). I am honoured that BCCI has recommended my name," said Rohit, at a promotional event in Mumbai.
The BCCI decided name Rohit for the Arjuna award at its working committee meeting in Kolkata on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Mumbaikar scored a brilliant 264 against Sri Lanka last season, the highest score by anyone in ODI cricket, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He is the only batsman to score two ODI double hundreds.
Rohit, who is leading Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Season 8 of the Indian Premier League, said though the team's performance hasn't been good so far, the members of the squad are hoping to carry the momentum they got after 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 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.
Though Mumbai Indians have lost the services of Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, who pulled out of the tournament, and injured New Zealand all rounder Corey Anderson, Rohit said there are others who now have a 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 is 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 said.
