- By Sunny Daud
- Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:48 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Indian wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer shared the news through an emotional post on social media, thanking everyone who played a role in his career.
Bharat’s international career lasted just over a year. Bharat made his Test debut against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023 and played his final match for India against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024.
During his seven Test appearances, Bharat scored 221 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.09. His highest score was 44. As a wicketkeeper, he was dependable behind the stumps, taking 18 catches and completing one stumping.
KS Bharat's domestic career
Although his time with the Indian team was brief, Bharat enjoyed a highly successful domestic career. He was one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket for several years.
In first-class cricket, Bharat played 113 matches and scored 6,102 runs at an average of 36.53. His record includes 11 centuries and 34 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 308. Behind the stumps, he collected 380 catches and 42 stumpings, earning a reputation as one of the finest wicketkeepers in the domestic circuit.
His performances were equally impressive in limited-overs cricket. In 83 List A matches, Bharat scored 2,692 runs at an average of 36.37, including eight centuries and 10 fifties. He also featured in 91 T20 matches, scoring 1,812 runs at a strike rate of 119.36 with 11 half-centuries to his name.
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Bharat's IPL career
Bharat also had a stint in the Indian Premier League, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. Across 10 IPL matches, he scored 199 runs at an average of 28.42 and a strike rate of 122.08. His most memorable IPL innings was an unbeaten 78, which remains his only fifty in the tournament.
Bharat thanked BCCI
In his retirement statement, Bharat expressed gratitude to the BCCI, coaches, managers, teammates and support staff who helped him throughout his cricketing journey.
“With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Playing for India has been the greatest honour of my life. The journey demanded resilience and hard work, but every moment was worth it because I got the chance to represent my country in Test cricket,” Bharat wrote.
View this post on Instagram
The wicketkeeper-batter also reserved special thanks for several key figures who influenced his career. He acknowledged Virat Kohli for giving him his IPL debut and helping him gain recognition at the highest level.
Bharat thanked Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid
Bharat also thanked India captain Rohit Sharma, under whose leadership he made his Test debut.
“A big thank you to my IPL debut captain Virat Kohli for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills. I am also grateful to Rohit Sharma, under whom I made my Test debut, a moment I will always cherish,” he said.
He further expressed his appreciation to former India head coach Rahul Dravid, crediting him for guiding his development from the India A setup to the senior national team.
“Rahul Dravid sir’s guidance from India A to the Indian team is something I will never forget. His support played a huge role in helping me become an Indian Test cricketer,” Bharat added.