Sunny conferred top award

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VVS Laxman, who retired from international cricket three months ago, was emotional in his speech after being felicitated during the annual BCCI Awards on Wednesday.

“I played for 16 years India and it was a very memorable journey. I was very lucky to have played in an era where we played the best cricket not only in India but also overseas,” he said.

India’s top performers in international and domestic cricket were feted during the ceremony.
Virat Kohli was presented the Polly Umrigar Award, for being India’s top international cricketer of 2011-12. The award comprises a trophy and cheque for `. Rs 5 lakhs.

The Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement aw­ard was presented to former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. The award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs 25 lakhs.

Sachin Tendulkar was also be honoured for completing a century of international centuries.

Seven legends of Indian cricket – Vijay Merchant, Vijay Manjrekar, Dattu Pha­dkar, Vinoo Mankad, Ghu­lam Ahmed, M.L. Jai­simha and Dilip Sardesai were also felicitated. The next-of-kin of each of these individuals will receive a trophy and cheque for Rs 15 lakhs.

Robin Bist won the top Ranji-getter award and Ashok Dinda highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy last season. Junior cricketers Mohd Saif (U-16), Vijay Zol (U-19), Satyan Choudhary (U-22) and wom­en’s cricketer Anagha Desh­pande were also given awards.