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A powerful movement is gaining momentum across India as former cricketer Suresh Raina and countless fans urge the government to honour Virat Kohli with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, following his recent retirement from Test cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also being pressed to organise a special retirement match to celebrate Kohli’s illustrious career, which has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Suresh Raina’s Public Appeal
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Suresh Raina, former Indian cricketer, publicly called on the Indian government to confer the Bharat Ratna on Virat Kohli for his immense contributions to Indian cricket.
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Raina made his appeal during a broadcast on Jio Hotstar, stating that Kohli’s achievements and impact on Indian cricket merit the nation’s highest civilian honour.
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Raina’s statement has sparked widespread debate and support among fans and cricketing experts.
Kohli’s Test Retirement Shocks the Nation
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Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, ending a 14-year red-ball career as one of India’s greatest players.
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Kohli has already retired from T20 Internationals and now continues to play only in ODIs.
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His decision comes shortly after Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, marking a significant generational shift in Indian cricket.
Kohli’s Record-Breaking Career
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Kohli appeared in 123 Test matches, aggregating 9,230 runs at 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
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He finishes as India's greatest Test captain and among the most successful batters in the history of the format.
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The leadership and performance of Kohli have been instrumental in propelling Indian cricket onto the international map.
Bharat Ratna: A Seldom Given Honour in Sports
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Just one cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, which was given to him in 2014 upon his retirement.
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Kohli has already been awarded the Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), and Khel Ratna (2018) but supporters say his legacy merits the top civilian honor.
Fans and BCCI Called Upon to Honor Kohli
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Fans have come out in his support, with many attending matches wearing white jerseys in honor of Kohli, even tolerating bad weather.
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Pressure is mounting on the BCCI to arrange a befitting retirement game for Kohli, as has been accorded to other sport legends.
What's Next for Indian Cricket
The retirements of Kohli and Rohit Sharma leave a leadership and experience deficit in the Test team, presenting a challenge for selectors before the England tour.
The hunt for new Test leaders and the shift to a new young brigade is now top priority for Indian cricket.
Sources: Times of India, Aaj Tak, Indian Express, Cricket.com, Cricket One, India Today
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