Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricket player, has urged the BCCI to set up a final match for Virat Kohli in Delhi and urged the Indian government to award him the Bharat Ratna. Suresh Raina’s remarks follow Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, which ended his incredible 14-year career with over 9,000 runs and 40 victories as captain. Suresh Suresh Raina insisted that Kohli should receive the highest civilian honor in the country for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket.
Additionally, he emphasized that Virat Kohli ought to have received a dignified farewell at his home field in front of his coach and family. Even though a farewell now seems unlikely, tributes have already started. During an IPL match, Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium honored Kohli.
Suresh Raina Pushes for Bharat Ratna Honour
Suresh Raina stated on Star Sports that Virat Kohli is deserving of India’s highest civilian honor. He mentioned Virat Kohli’s accomplishments both on and off the field, as well as his contributions to Indian cricket.
“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,” Raina stated.
🗣 “BOHOT BADA BRAND HAI VO” @ImRaina shares memories of #ViratKohli’s Test career and their time together in Indian colours 🙌
📺📲 Watch the special tribute: 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧 👉 https://t.co/rp4Dvb3SkG pic.twitter.com/cST8Lp6YDI
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 13, 2025
The only athlete to win the Bharat Ratna to date is Sachin Tendulkar. However, Virat Kohli has already received a number of noteworthy honors. These include the Arjuna Award in 2013, Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna in 2018.
A Farewell Game in Delhi
Suresh Raina also urged Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium to host Virat Kohli’s final Test match. He emphasized the significance of allowing Kohli to play one final game in front of his family and Raj Kumar Sharma, his childhood coach.
“His family and coach would have been there to support him… After doing so much for the country, you communicate with him because he deserves a retirement match,” Raina said.
But it now appears doubtful that a farewell Test will be held. With immediate effect, Virat Kohli has already ended his red-ball career. Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium honored during an IPL game in spite of the rain.
Virat Kohli’s Stunning Career in Tests
In an Instagram post, Virat Kohli declared his retirement from Test cricket. In 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. Thirty-one fifties and thirty hundreds are included in his total. In addition, he captained India for 68 games, winning 40 of them, the most of any Indian captain.
Only a few weeks before the England vs. India Test series, the announcement shocked fans. A week prior, Rohit Sharma, Kohli’s teammate, had announced his retirement from Test cricket. Both contemporary legends left without playing their final games in white.
Rohit and Kohli had both previously resigned from T20Is. They now want to concentrate on ODIs, especially the ICC World Cup in South Africa in 2027. Raina’s request to give Kohli the lavish farewell he so richly deserves is a reflection of a larger sentiment as India gets ready for the future.
