NEW DELHI: Within the historical past of Indian sports activities, just one sportsperson has been honoured with the Bharat Ratna — and that’s Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary batter was advisable for the award by the central authorities in February 2014, and then-President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the honour upon him. No athlete earlier than or since has acquired this prestigious civilian award.Nonetheless, former India cricketer Suresh Raina has now referred to as for Virat Kohli to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, recognising his immense contributions to Indian cricket.“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 [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. The Government of India should give him the Bharat Ratna award],” Raina stated throughout a present on Star Sports activities.

Kohli not too long ago introduced his retirement from Check cricket, placing an finish to the hypothesis round his future within the longest format.The 36-year-old featured in 123 Check matches for India, scoring 9230 runs, together with 30 centuries, at a median of 46.85. He’ll now solely play in ODIs, having stepped away from T20 Internationals final 12 months.

“As I step away from this format, it is not straightforward – but it surely feels proper. I’ve given it the whole lot I had, and it is given me again a lot greater than I may’ve hoped for,” Kohli shared on his Instagram web page.“I am strolling away with a coronary heart filled with gratitude – for the sport, for the folks I shared the sphere with, and for each single one who made me really feel seen alongside the way in which,” he added.His exit marks one other main retirement in Indian Check cricket, following Ravichandran Ashwin (in December) and Rohit Sharma (final week), who additionally bid farewell to the format.