While the cricketing world continues to reel at the announcement of Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket after the squad announcement for the England tour, some of sports' biggest personalities have demanded that the cricketing legend be awarded the 'Bharat Ratna'. Virat made the bombshell announcement regarding his retirement after leaving the longest format of the game before the squad announcement for the England tour. The legendary batsman, who is most generally attributed with bringing fresh air into Test cricket, did not even get to play a farewell game, to the dismay of his fans.

India and Chennai Super Kings former cricketer Suresh Raina has asked the Indian government to award Virat the Bharat Ratna. He also penned a letter to the Board of Conrol for Cricket in India (BCCI) for arranging a retirement game for the batter in Delhi, his native city."I believe the Indian government must give him the Bharat Ratna as he has done so many things for India," he stated on Star Sports.

Kohli, who has 9230 runs in 123 Tests for India, scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in his career wearing whites. Expectations were that the 36-year-old would carry on his batting feats in England but his career suddenly took a sharp turn.Raina, therefore, wants Kohli to at least be granted a farewell game in Delhi. "I also want him to be given a retirement match in Delhi. His family and coach would have been present there to encourage him. After doing so much for the nation, you talk to him because he deserves a retirement match," he added.

Aslo read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Nehal Wadhera takes on Wanindu Hasaranga for two eye pleasing sixes in RR vs PBKS clash

Fans request Virat Kohli to 'Reconsider' test retirement announcement

As fans were waiting for the day's encounter between Royal Challengers Bangaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, which was rain-affected, various cricket fans shared their sentiments on the announcement by Virat Kohli to retire from the Tests. A number of them opined that the erstwhile India captain should reconsider retiring from Test cricket. "Virat Kohli must reconsider his retirement from Test cricket. He is still too young to give it up," Manoj, an Odisha cricket supporter said. Some fans were also spotted purchasing Virat Kohli's Test clothing, jersey no. 18, before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders match, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.