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India’s Test cricket captain Virat Kohli has been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the nation's biggest sporting honour, by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
His deputy, Ajinkya Rahane, is also in line for another honour, having been nominated for the Arjuna award.
"We have received the recommendations from the BCCI. Their names will be sent to the awards selection committee," a sports ministry official said.
If Kohli is awarded the prestigious honour, he will become the third cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar (1997-98) and MS Dhoni (2007-08) to be bestowed with the honour.
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.
Kohli is enjoying a fine run of form in the ongoing Indian Premier League. He was also at the top of his game in the preceding ICC World T20, singlehandedly guiding India to wins over Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
For his exploits, Kohli was named the World T20 Player of the Tournament and skipper of the World T20 team.
Rahane equalled the record of holding the highest number of catches in a Test innings during India's series win against Sri Lanka last year under Kohli's leadership.
According to sources, Kohli is facing competition from squash champion Deepika Pallikal, golfer Anirban Lahiri, Asian Games gold medallist shooter Jitu Rai and runner Tintu Luka.
Image: Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli
Photograph: Getty Images