World Cup Winning CSK Legend Asks For Bharat Ratna For Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has advocated for India’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, for Virat Kohli after the batter announced his retirement from Test cricket.

Kohli, who has already retired from T20I cricket after winning the T20I World Cup in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies (WI) in 2024, shocked everyone as he bid adieu to the longest format as well on May 12, sending fans and experts into a frenzy. 

The 36-year old batter still had a few good years left in him considering his elite fitness, but he decided to call it a day after scoring 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. Arguing that his contributions to Indian cricket are immense, Raina said that Kohli should be conferred with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for his stellar career. 

“The number of achievements Virat Kohli has accomplished, and whatever he has done for India and Indian cricket, for that he should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. The Government of India should give him the Bharat Ratna award,” Raina said on Jio Hotstar. 

Notably, Sachin Tendulkar is the only sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna in India. Kohli, meanwhile, has already been awarded the Padma Shri (fourth highest civilian honour), along with the Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards for his performances in the past. 

Despite the retirement, the sentiments for Kohli are not dying down as fans reached the Chinnaswamy stadium in white jerseys to support their star on May 17 despite rains lashing the ground and the IPL match getting abandoned.