KS Bharat retires from international cricket

India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket, a little over three years after making his Test debut.

The 32-year-old represented India in seven Tests between 2023 and 2024, scoring 221 runs at an average of 20.09, with a highest score of 44. He was India's wicketkeeper in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023, filling in for the injured Rishabh Pant.

Bharat made his debut against Australia during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after spending several years on the fringes of the national side as a reserve wicketkeeper. His last appearance came against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024. He lost his place to debutant Dhruv Jurel in the third Test of the series in Rajkot.

"With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket. To play for my country has been the greatest honour of my life," Bharat wrote in a social media post on Thursday.

"This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honour to represent India in Tests was 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 the environment and support system they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hard work," he added.

Born in Visakhapatnam, Bharat enjoyed a distinguished domestic career with Andhra before getting his India call-up. He holds the distinction of being the first wicketkeeper in Ranji Trophy history to score a triple century. In his retirement post, Bharat reserved special thanks for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.

"A big thank you to my IPL debut captain Virat Kohli for giving me an opportunity to show my skill and come into recognition," he wrote.

"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," he concluded.