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KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32, ending a journey in which he represented India in the longest format of the game. The wicketkeeper-batsman shared the news through an emotional social media post, in which he thanked 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.
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KS Bharat writes emotional retirement note
Announcing his retirement, KS Bharat reflected on his journey and described representing India as the greatest honor of his life. He thanked his family for supporting his dream and acknowledged the sacrifices they have made over the years.
“With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Playing for my country has been the greatest honor of my life. This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honor of representing India in Tests has been worth every moment.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman also thanked the BCCI, coaches, managers, teammates and support staff who helped him throughout his career.
“Thank you to the BCCI and all the coaches and managers I met during my career who supported me unconditionally by creating a great environment to excel at the highest level.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all my teammates for all the moments and achievements that helped me in my career and without you all it would not have been possible for me to achieve my dream and play the game all these years.”
KS Bharat thanks Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid
KS Bharat made sure to mention some of the biggest influences from his cricket journey. He thanked Virat Kohli for giving him a chance in the IPL, Rohit Sharma for giving him a chance to make his Test debut and Rahul Dravid for guiding him from India A to the national team.
“Many thanks to my IPL debut captain Virat Kohli for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills and get recognition.
“A huge 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 the 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 guidance and coaching.
“My advice to young players is to dream big and work hard to achieve them. With patience, discipline, hard work and determination, dreams come true.”
“My journey with the BCCI and Test cricket may have ended, but my journey in the game continues. I will continue to play cricket, contribute and give back to cricket by mentoring, guiding and training 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 in February 2023 against Australia in Nagpur and played his last international match against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024. During his international career, he scored 221 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.09 in seven Test matches, with his highest score being 44. Behind the stumps, he took 18 catches and completed one stumping.
While his international statistics 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 reliable wicketkeepers, taking 380 catches and making 42 stumpings.
In List A cricket, Bharat scored 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 in 91 matches at a strike rate of 119.36, registering 11 fifties.
KS Bharat also had a brief IPL career, playing 10 matches with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. He scored 199 runs at an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 122.08, with his highest score being 78* and a half-century.
Although his time in international cricket was short, KS Bharat will be remembered as a cricketer who worked tirelessly in the domestic circuit and ultimately fulfilled his dream of representing India at the highest level.
