Virat Kohli Deserves Bharat Ratna: Suresh Raina’s Bold Statement Ignites Nationwide Debate
In the annals of Indian sports history, the Bharat Ratna—the nation’s highest civilian honor—has been bestowed upon only one sportsperson: the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. Conferred in February 2014 by then-President Pranab Mukherjee, Tendulkar’s recognition marked a historic moment for Indian cricket. Since then, no other athlete has received this prestigious award, placing it among the rarest of accolades in the sporting realm.
However, a seismic shift in this narrative has emerged with former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina passionately advocating for Virat Kohli to be honored with the Bharat Ratna. Raina’s statement, made during a candid discussion on Star Sports, has sparked a fiery debate across the cricketing fraternity and beyond. ‘Virat Kohli ne jitni upalabdhiyan haasil ki hain, Bharat aur Bharatiya cricket ke liye unhone jo bhi kiya hai, uske liye unhein Bharat Ratna se sammaanit kiya jana chahiye. Bharat sarkar ko unhein Bharat Ratna award dena chahiye,’ Raina declared, translating to: ‘The number of achievements Virat Kohli has accomplished, and whatever he has done for India and Indian cricket, for that he should be honored with the Bharat Ratna. The Government of India should give him this award.’
Kohli’s credentials speak volumes. The 36-year-old batting maestro recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, closing a remarkable chapter in the longest format after months of speculation. With 123 Test matches under his belt, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries—a testament to his consistency and dominance. Beyond Tests, Kohli has already retired from T20 Internationals in 2023 and will now focus solely on ODIs, where his record is equally staggering with 13,906 runs in 295 matches, including 50 centuries, making him one of the format’s all-time greats.
Reflecting on his Test career, Kohli shared an emotional note on Instagram: ‘As I step away from this format, it’s not easy—but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.’ He added, ‘I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude—for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.’ These words encapsulate the journey of a man who has not only redefined Indian batting but also inspired millions worldwide.
Raina’s call for the Bharat Ratna comes at a pivotal moment, as Indian cricket witnesses a wave of retirements in the Test format. Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s exit in December and Rohit Sharma’s farewell last week, Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era for a golden generation of Indian cricketers. Raina argues that Kohli’s contributions—both as a player and a leader who guided India to historic victories, including the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph as a young star and multiple overseas Test wins as captain—make him a worthy candidate for the honor.
Statistically, Kohli stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of the game. He is the only player to score over 23,000 runs across all formats in international cricket at an average above 48. His leadership saw India achieve the No. 1 ranking in Tests for a sustained period, and his aggressive, never-say-die attitude redefined the team’s ethos. Beyond numbers, Kohli’s cultural impact—evident in his fanbase of millions and his role as a fitness icon—has transcended the sport.
Yet, the debate sparked by Raina’s statement raises deeper questions: Should the Bharat Ratna, traditionally awarded for lifetime achievement, be conferred on Kohli at 36, when his cricketing journey in ODIs is still active? Critics argue that while Kohli’s achievements are monumental, the award’s rarity in sports—given only to Tendulkar after a 24-year career—suggests a wait might be warranted. Supporters, however, counter that Kohli’s transformative impact on Indian cricket mirrors Tendulkar’s, if not surpasses it in terms of leadership and global influence.
As this discussion unfolds, one thing is certain: Virat Kohli’s legacy is already etched in stone. Whether the Government of India deems him ready for the Bharat Ratna or not, his name will forever be synonymous with excellence in Indian cricket. For now, fans, experts, and former players alike weigh in on Raina’s bold claim, ensuring that this debate will rage on in living rooms and social media feeds across the nation. What do you think—does Kohli deserve the Bharat Ratna now, or should the honor come later in his storied career? Let the conversation continue.