Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer shared his decision in an emotional social media post, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.
Bharat’s international career spanned just over a year. He made his Test debut against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023 and played his final match for India against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024.
In his seven Test appearances, Bharat scored 221 runs in 12 innings, averaging 20.09, with a highest score of 44. As a wicketkeeper, he was reliable, taking 18 catches and completing one stumping.
KS Bharat’s Domestic Career
Despite the brevity of his time with the national team, Bharat had a successful domestic career. He was a consistent performer in Indian domestic cricket over several years.
In first-class cricket, Bharat played 113 matches, scoring 6,102 runs at an average of 36.53. His record includes 11 centuries and 34 half-centuries, with a best score of 308. He also collected 380 catches and 42 stumpings, earning a reputation as one of the top wicketkeepers in the domestic circuit.
Bharat’s performances in limited-overs cricket were also notable. He played 83 List A matches, scoring 2,692 runs at an average of 36.37, including eight centuries and 10 fifties. In T20 cricket, he appeared in 91 matches, scoring 1,812 runs at a strike rate of 119.36, including 11 half-centuries.
Bharat Thanks BCCI
In his retirement statement, Bharat expressed his gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), coaches, managers, teammates, and support staff for their contributions to his cricketing journey.
“With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Playing for India has been the greatest honour of my life,” Bharat wrote. He acknowledged the resilience required to compete at this level and valued the opportunity to represent his country.
Bharat specifically thanked Virat Kohli for giving him his IPL debut and recognized Rohit Sharma, under whose captaincy he made his Test debut. He also expressed appreciation for former head coach Rahul Dravid’s guidance from the India A setup to the senior national team.
“Rahul Dravid sir’s guidance from India A to the Indian team is something I will never forget. His support played a huge role in helping me become an Indian Test cricketer,” Bharat added.
Source: www.thedailyjagran.com.
