Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat is making a significant move in his cricket career by signing with Dulwich Cricket Club for the 2025 Surrey Championship season, according to a report by Wisden. After facing challenges to secure a spot on the Indian national team, Bharat is eager to breathe new life into his red-ball cricket journey.
Bharat has shown impressive form in first-class cricket, accumulating 5,686 runs, including 10 centuries and 32 fifties over 105 matches. Despite this, his chances for a consistent role in the international arena seem limited. Joining the Surrey Championship, a competitive Division 1 league, offers him a fresh platform to shine and attract selectors’ attention.
The trend of Indian cricketers seeking experience in county cricket is becoming more common. Players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have found success through similar pathways. Bharat’s decision reflects a strategic attempt to revive his cricketing prospects and gain international visibility.
In 2023, Bharat made his debut for India against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and his most recent Test was against England in 2024. Over his seven Tests, he has scored 221 runs, with a top score of 44. His IPL performances have also glimmered with promise, notably scoring 78* for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, although he went unsold during the IPL 2025 auction.
Recently, Bharat played in the Ranji Trophy for Andhra Pradesh, putting up scores of 19, 41, 52, and 43 in two matches while taking nine catches. He also participated in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, contributing five catches and 28 runs.
With Bharat’s commitment to improving his skills overseas, he is part of a larger trend of Indian cricketers using international leagues to secure their places. As these players become more visible through county cricket, they often bring unique styles and techniques that can benefit both their games and the national team’s future.
For more insights on the impact of international cricket leagues on players’ performances, you can refer to this report by ESPN Cricinfo.
Check out this related article: From Test Matches to Team Spirit: The Return of India’s Star Player to Cricket
Source linkKS Bharat, Surrey Championship, Dulwich Cricket Club, Indian cricket, red-ball cricket, first-class record, county cricket, international comeback, Ajinkya Rahane, West Test Championship
