India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket, three years and a bit after debuting for the national side in the longest format of the game.
The 32-year-old featured in seven Test matches for India between 2023 and 2024. He scored 221 runs in international cricket at an average of 20.09 – with a highest score of 44. Bharat also featured for India’s playing XI in the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, where he took on wicketkeeping duties with Rishabh Pant having suffered an injury.
Having been a backup keeper in the national side for a few years, Bharat got his Test cap during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He played his last international match for India in the first T20I against England at Visakhapatnam in February 2024. He was then dropped for India’s third Test at Rajkot, with debutant Dhruv Jurel replacing him.
Bharat shared a heartfelt social media message thanking him for fulfilling his dream of managing India. Representing the country was the biggest honour of his life, he stated while recalling all the dedication, hardwork and sacrifices that made him a cricketer.
The cricketer, who hails from Visakhapatnam, also gave credit to his family including his parents and sister who have been supportive throughout the more than two decades long journey of playing the sport. He said it was those experiences that helped him realise his dream of playing international cricket.
Bharat had created an impressive domestic career for them prior to earning a call-up to the national team from Andhra. Among his big accomplishments was eclipsing the mark of being the first keeper ever to hit a triple century in Ranji Trophy history; an achievement that showcased his batting prowess domestically.
Bharat also thanked a host of important individuals in his retirement statement who had an impact on his career. Thanked Virat Kohli for his opportunity in the early years of IPL, Rohit Sharma for giving him Test debut and Rahul Dravid who has taught you since your A days up to the national team.
Having ended his international chapter, KS Bharat now has memories of having donned the India cap alongside a respectable domestic career that saw him rated as one of Andhra’s top wicketkeeper-batters.