“Virat Kohli should get Bharat Ratna.” - Suresh Raina

Virat Kohli should be conferred with the highest civilian honor in India, the Bharat Ratna, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina has urged the Indian government.

Last week, the former Indian captain surprised everyone by declaring his retirement from Test cricket. With 9230 runs to his credit, Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, concluded as India's fourth-highest run scorer in Test matches.

Kohli wrote a letter on social media to announce his intention to retire from Test cricket. His choice was made shortly before the new World Test Championship (WTC) season began and the India vs. The England Test series began. Rohit and Kohli, two of India's most seasoned players, will no longer be available.

In 2011, Virat played his first Test match at Kingston against the West Indies. With 9230 runs from 123 games and an average of 46.85, he is fourth among India's top run scorers in the game's longest format. Just under 800 more runs were required for Kohli to pass the great Sunil Gavaskar and take third place as India's top run scorer.

‘Give Virat Kohli Bharat Ratna.’ - Suresh Raina

According to former Indian cricket player Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli should receive the coveted Bharat Ratna award from the Indian government.

“I feel the Indian government should honor him with the Bharat Ratna because of his achievements for India,” he said.

Sachin Tendulkar remains the only cricketer and first sportsperson to get the Bharat Ratna honor. He was awarded the highest Indian civilian honor in 2014, a year after his retirement from international and IPL cricket.

Raina also urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to arrange Virat’s retirement match in Delhi, his home ground.

“He should be given a retirement match in Delhi. His family and coach would get a chance to support him. He has done a lot for the country, and the BCCI should communicate with him because he deserves a retirement match,” he added.

On Saturday, fans waited for action at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the IPL 2025 resumed, but the weather prevented that from happening. After Virat Kohli left the Test format, they wanted to honor him, but he was unable to play because the RCB v KKR game was called off before a ball was played.

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