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KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32, bringing an end to a journey that saw him represent India in the longest format of the game. The wicketkeeper-batter shared the news through an emotional social media post, thanking everyone who played a role in his cricketing career, from his family and coaches to teammates and administrators.
The Andhra Pradesh cricketer also reserved special words for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and former India head coach Rahul Dravid, all of whom played important roles during different phases of his career.
KS Bharat pens emotional retirement note
Announcing his retirement, KS Bharat reflected on his journey and described representing India as the greatest honour of his life. He thanked his family for supporting his dream and acknowledged the sacrifices made over the years.
“With a proud heart and sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international Cricket. To play for my country has been the greatest honour of my life.bThis journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength but the Honour to represent India in Tests worth every moment.”
The wicketkeeper-batter also thanked the BCCI, coaches, managers, teammates and support staff who helped him throughout his career.
“Thank you, Bcci and all the coaches and managers who I came across in my career and who supported me unconditionally by creating a great environment to play an excel at the highest level.
“To all my teammates I extend a big, thank you for all the moments and achievements together, which helped me in my career and without you all it was not quite possible for me to achieve my dream and play the sport all these years.”
KS Bharat thanks Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid
KS Bharat made sure to mention some of the biggest influences in his cricketing journey. He thanked Virat Kohli for giving him an opportunity in the IPL, Rohit Sharma for handing him his Test debut, and Rahul Dravid for guiding him from the India A setup to the national team.
“A big thank you to my IPL Debut captain Virat Kohli for giving me an opportunity to show my skill and come into recognition.
“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 sir , his guidance from India A to Indian team is unforgettable. With your support I could become an Indian Test cricketer.”
The 32-year-old also thanked his childhood coach, fans and well-wishers before promising to remain involved in cricket through mentoring and coaching.
“My advice to young players is to dream big and work hard to achieve it. Dreams do come true with grit, discipline, hard work, and determination.
“My journey with BCCI and Test cricket may have come to an end, but my journey in the game continues. I will keep playing, contributing, and giving back to cricket by guiding, mentoring, and coaching the next generation who dream of making it big.”
A look at KS Bharat’s cricket career
KS Bharat made his Test debut for India against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023 and played his final international match against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024. During his international career, he featured in seven Tests, scoring 221 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.09, with a highest score of 44. Behind the stumps, he took 18 catches and completed one stumping.
While his international numbers were modest, KS Bharat enjoyed a highly successful domestic career. In first-class cricket, he played 113 matches and scored 6,102 runs at an average of 36.53. His record includes 11 centuries and 34 fifties, with a career-best score of 308. He also established himself as one of India’s most dependable wicketkeepers, taking 380 catches and effecting 42 stumpings.
In List A cricket, Bharat amassed 2,692 runs in 83 matches at an average of 36.37, including eight centuries and 10 half-centuries. In T20 cricket, he scored 1,812 runs from 91 matches at a strike rate of 119.36, registering 11 fifties.
KS Bharat also had a brief IPL career, playing 10 matches across stints with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. He scored 199 runs at an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 122.08, with a highest score of 78* and one half-century.
Although his time in international cricket was short, KS Bharat will be remembered as a cricketer who worked tirelessly through the domestic circuit and eventually fulfilled his dream of representing India at the highest level.
