Virat Kohli recommended for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has been nominated for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the country’s biggest sporting honor.

Prior to Kohli, India’s limited overs skipper MS Dhoni and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar have been given the prestigious honor. Sachin Tendulkar received the award in 1997-98, while MS Dhoni received the honor in 2007-08.

Virat Kohli has been in a scintillating form in the last 12 months. He is currently playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and is the leading run-getter of the IPL at the moment. Prior to this, the Delhi batsman had a superb run in the recently concluded World T20. He was India’s leading run-getter in the tournament and was instrumental in taking India to the semi-finals. He has been the go-to man for the team in the last couple of years.

Kohli was named the Test captain following MS Dhoni’s retirement last year. He successfully led India to a series win in Sri Lanka and then whitewashed the then number one side in the world, South Africa, at home.

Along with Kohli, middle-order batsman, Ajinkya Rahane was also nominated for the Arjuna Award. Rahane has clearly been the most successful batsman for India in overseas conditions.

“We have received the recommendations from the BCCI. Their names will be sent to the awards selection committee,” a sports ministry official said. The Khel Ratna carries a cash reward of Rs 7.5 lakh along with a citation, while the Arjuna award consists of a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation.

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