Suresh Raina says Virat Kohli deserves Bharat Ratna after impressive Test career

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina reckons his ex-teammate Virat Kohli deserves Bharat Ratna after he retired from Test cricket. Kohli announced his retirement from the red-ball version on last Monday. 

The former Indian captain delivered in the multi-day format and played a key role in taking India’s Test team to new heights. Kohli amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

The Indian veteran always played with a lot of passion and always gave his 120% on the field. 

Suresh Raina said on Star Sports, “Mujhe toh lagta hai, inko Bharat Ratna dena chahiye Bhartiya sarkar ko. Kyuki inhone itna achieve kiya hai Bharat ke liye. Aur mujhe lagta hai, inko ek retirement match milna chahiye tha Delhi mai. Unka ek test match hota, unki family aati, unke coachsahab aate, aur unki beti bhi aati. Itna desh ke liye karne ke baad aap communicate karo, ek match toh milna chahiye, woh bhi Virat Kohli jaise player ko. Deserve karte hai woh.”

[I feel the Indian government should award him the Bharat Ratna. Because he has achieved so much for India. And I think he should have gotten a retirement match in Delhi. There could have been a Test match for him, his family would have come, his coach would have been there, and his daughter too. After doing so much for the country, there should be communication — he deserves at least one match, especially a player like Virat Kohli. He truly deserves it].

Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar is the only sportsperson in India, who has been bestowed with the presitgious Bharat Ratna.

Kohli will be seen in action in IPL 2025. The talisman has scored 505 runs in 11 innings of the tournament and has played a key role in RCB’s success.