KS Bharat, who announced his retirement earlier this year, is considering a comeback in Test cricket. He represented the India National Cricket Team in seven Tests before taking retirement in February 2027. As he announced his retirement from the national side, he became eligible to play franchise leagues outside India.
Bharat is currently in the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi T10 and has expressed that he is looking to make a Test comeback through the UAE National Cricket Team. He will be eligible to represent UAE in Tests after serving the cooling-off period.
KS Bharat eyes an international comeback
In an official statement, KS Bharat, who is now 33, with still a few years in his hand to keep himself active in professional cricket, mentioned that as a player, he wants to continue playing the game after performing well in domestic cricket over the years.
“Playing Test cricket is the ultimate feeling when you’re playing for your country. Nothing beats that. But as a player, there’s all you want to do to play the game. I’ve been performing well in domestic cricket over the years,” said Bharat.
I still have those international days in me: KS Bharat
Months after taking retirement, KS Bharat realized that he still has some international cricket left within himself. As he has self-belief, he is looking to make a comeback in the Whites after February next year.
“But somewhere I felt I still have those international days in me. That is the reason I had to make this hard call (the retirement in June). That is the plan, to be very honest. I still have to complete the cooling-off period. In February, it will be done, and maybe after that I’ll be able to tell you more,” Bharat said in the same statement.
KS Bharat is likely to play for the UAE National Cricket Team
The keeper-batter, who served India’s Test cricket team between 2023 and 2024, scored 221 runs in seven matches and 12 innings and took 18 catches and accomplished one stump, claimed that the UAE cricket board was kind enough to welcome him into their facilities. As there are players from different nations in the UAE cricket team, Bharat spotted a lot of talent and potential in the cricket team.
“The UAE cricket board has been kind enough to welcome me and allow me to use their facilities. The quality of players you play with is high for a domestic structure, because the UAE is a place where you get all kinds of cricketers, from South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and a few Indians now. I’m really loving this second innings,” he noted.
Before going back to international cricket, the former Team India cricketer is looking to adapt to the circumstances, taking lessons from his younger days.
“There is a little bit of adaptation to be done. Probably, remembering the younger days when I used to play with a tennis ball. Before you realise it, two balls and the game changes very quickly; two-dot-two balls and the game comes back your way. It’s not the easiest format, but I’m having fun,” Bharat added.
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