Wicketkeeper batsman KS Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32 on Thursday (June 4) through a post on social media. The glovesman last played for India more than two years ago in a Test match against England in February 2024 in Visakhapatnam.
Bharat expressed love for his family in his post and appreciated the contribution of the Andhra Cricket Association as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also appreciated the contribution of groundsmen and ground.
“With a proud heart and sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international Cricket.To play for my country has been the greatest honor of my life.This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength but the Honor to represent India in Tests 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 an environment and support system they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hardwork,” wrote Bharat on Instagram.
“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.Thank you Andhra cricket Association, VDCA and all office bearers for your support and encouragement from my childhood.
“I owe massive gratitude and respects to all the Grounds man who have worked very, very hard o ensure the best pitches and ground conditions were given to me at all times .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,” Bharat added.
KS Bharat’s Special Praise For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid
In his statement, Bharat wrote a special gratitude for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid. Bharat played under Kohli’s captaincy at RCB while playing for India under Rohit. Dravid was the head coach of the Indian team during his entire career with the Indian team and also played under his coaching at India-A.He also hailed his childhood coach.
“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 cricket,”said Bharat.
“To my coach J Krishna Rao, thank you for shaping me into an international cricketer at a young age.To the fans and cricket lovers across the world, thank you for your endless support and encouragement whenever I represented our country. Hearing our national anthem and sharing the field with great ambassadors of the game are memories I will cherish forever.I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey. Cricket had given me everything in many ways, and I owe it. to my life,” Bharat added.
He further gave some profound advice to young players and made it clear that he will remain connected with the game through the coaching sphere.
“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. If I could achieve my dream, so can you. 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.
I love India and I love cricket.Thank you for everything,” Bharat concluded.
KS Bharat’s India Career
Bharat made his debut for India against Australia in 2023 and played seven Test matches and made 221 runs at an average of 20.09. He played 10 games in the IPL (8 for RCB in 2021 and 2 for DC in 2022) and made 199 runs.
