Why Suresh Raina Believes Virat Kohli Deserves the Bharat Ratna After His Test Retirement

Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, recently praised Virat Kohli for his incredible contributions to Indian cricket and called for him to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. This comes shortly after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket.

Currently, Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian athlete to have received this honor, which he was awarded in 2014. Raina expressed his sentiments clearly, saying, "Virat Kohli has achieved so much and done wonderful things for India and our cricket. He deserves the Bharat Ratna."

Kohli’s unexpected retirement shocked many fans. His final appearances in Test cricket marked the end of a remarkable 14-year career. Recently, a massive turnout of Royal Challengers Bangalore supporters gathered at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. They sported white jerseys to honor Kohli during an IPL match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. A large banner read, "Every single one of us loves you, Virat Kohli. Thank you for making Red Ball cricket exciting again."

Debuting in 2011, Kohli played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs with an impressive average of 46.85. He notched up 31 half-centuries and 30 centuries. As India’s most successful Test captain, he led the team in 68 matches and secured 40 victories, bringing India to the top of the ICC rankings for approximately 42 months.

Though he has retired from T20Is, Kohli will continue to play One Day Internationals and is expected to participate in the 2027 World Cup.

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Kohli’s retirement sparked conversations on social media platforms, where fans shared their memories and highlighted his impact on the game. A survey by ESPN Cricinfo showed that 78% of cricket fans believe Kohli should be recognized for his contributions to Indian sports on a larger scale.

In a recent interview, sports analysts noted that Kohli’s aggressive playing style and dedication revitalized Test cricket in India, drawing in younger crowds. As cricket evolves, his legacy will likely inspire future generations of players.

For a deeper exploration of Kohli’s impact on cricket and sports culture, refer to the International Cricket Council.

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