Suresh Raina requests Indian government to award Virat Kohli with Bharat Ratna

Cricket fans across India know what Virat Kohli means to the sport—and to the country. His passion, his energy, and his unrelenting hunger for excellence have made him one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket. And now, after a glorious 14-year-long journey in Test cricket, Kohli has hung up his boots in the longest format of the game.

In the wake of this major milestone, former teammate and fellow cricket star Suresh Raina has made a powerful appeal. Speaking on Star Sports, Raina urged the Indian government to honour Kohli with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

“I feel the Indian government should award him the Bharat Ratna because he has achieved so many things for India,” Raina said, echoing a sentiment that many cricket lovers share.

A glance at Kohli's Test career

Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. In 123 matches, he scored 9,230 runs at an average above 46, the numbers that put him in the elite company of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. But beyond the stats, what stood out was his leadership. With 40 Test wins as captain, he’s the most successful Indian Test skipper in history.

Of course, Kohli’s impact goes far beyond just red-ball cricket. In ODIs, he’s been even more dominant. With over 14,000 runs and a record-breaking 51 centuries (surpassing even Tendulkar’s 49), Kohli has consistently delivered for India when it mattered most.

But what truly sets him apart is not just the records. It’s the way he’s carried himself fiercely on the field, humbly off it, and always giving his all for the tricolour. He’s not just played cricket; he’s helped redefine Indian cricket in the modern era.

So far, only one cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, has received the Bharat Ratna. That was back in 2014, just months after his retirement. Tendulkar’s contribution to the sport is legendary, and the honour was well-deserved. But now, with Kohli’s monumental career achievements, many believe it’s time he joins that rare league.