The Indian wicketkeeper KS Bharat has officially announced his retirement from international cricket.
He retires having represented India at the Test level on seven occasions, with his last appearance coming against England in February 2024.
Bharat scored 221 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.09 with 19 dismissals as wicketkeeper.
He made his debut in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after impressing for India A. He made his highest score of 44 against an Australian attack which Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. He was also picked as India’s wk-batter in the 2023 WTC cycle against Australia at The Oval.
Bharat made 10 appearances for RCB and DC, scoring 199 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 122.08. He had won IPL 2024 as a spare player with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Bharat posted on social media. “To play for my country has been the greatest honour of my life.”
“This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honour to represent India in Tests was worth every moment. In a family of four, we all lived the same dream over two decades. A big heart to my sister, mom and dad for creating the environment and support system they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hard work,” he added.
Bharat had a brilliant domestic career with Andhra, which earned his India call-up. He also holds the record for the first wicketkeeper in Ranji Trophy history to score a triple century.
KS Bharat has paid tribute to former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and highlighted the importance of Rahul Dravid for the role he had in their development.
“A big thank you to my IPL debut captain Virat Kohli for allowing me to show my skill and come into recognition,” Bharat wrote.
“A big thank you to my Indian captain Rohit Sharma, under whom I made my Test debut, which is priceless and beyond words.
“To my Indian coach, Rahul Dravid, his guidance from India A to the Indian team is unforgettable. With your support, I could become an Indian Test cricketer,” concluded KS Bharat.
