India crushed New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I to seal the series 3-0. Bumrah’s 3/17, backed by Hardik, Bishnoi, and Rana, restricted New Zealand to 153/9. In reply, Abhishek Sharma’s 68 off 20 and Suryakumar Yadav’s 57 off 26 powered India to 155/2 in just 10 overs, completing a commanding win.

The awards will be formally conferred during Republic Day celebrations on Monday.

Over the past decade, leaders from opposition parties, regional stalwarts, and ideological rivals have featured prominently in the honours list.