The honour, first bestowed by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 1961, recognises sporting excellence, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship over the preceding four-year period. Both players will receiver a bronze statue of Arjuna, a scroll, and a cash prize.

Jadeja could be about to join a select group of all-rounders

Poonam is India’s leading wicket taker in T20Is, and is currently ranked third in the MRF Tyres Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings, while Jadeja stands on the cusp of being the fifth Indian to reach the milestone of 1500 Test runs and 200 Test wickets, and looks set to do so as one of only five men worldwide to average more than 30 with the bat and less than 30 with the ball.

Previous recipients of the award include Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid.