Mumbai: India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. The Andhra-born keeper, who represented India in seven Tests between 2023 and 2024, finished his international career with 221 runs at an average of 20.09. Bharat made his Test debut against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023, opening his longest-format journey during the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and he played his final Test against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024.
Across his domestic career, Bharat built a strong record in first-class cricket, turning out in 113 matches and collecting 6,102 runs at an average of 36.53. His output included 11 centuries and 31 half-centuries, underlining his ability to contribute consistently with the bat at the highest domestic level. On Thursday, he shared the news with a message that reflected both pride and gratitude for the opportunity to play for India.
“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. This journey of mine has demanded great resilience and strength, but the honour of representing India in Tests was worth every moment,” Bharat wrote. He added that his dream began within a close-knit family: “In a family of four, we all lived the same dream over two decades. A big thank you to my sister, mom and dad for creating the environment and support system that they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hard work,” he said, posting the note on his Instagram account.
As part of his farewell message, Bharat also highlighted the influence of key figures from both his IPL and international pathways. He thanked Virat Kohli, under whom he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rohit Sharma, whose captaincy saw Bharat make his Test debut for India. Bharat further expressed appreciation to Kohli as his IPL debut captain for giving him the opening to showcase his skills, and he described Rohit’s role in his Test debut as “priceless and beyond words.” He also singled out Rahul Dravid, saying the guidance he received from India A to the senior team would remain unforgettable.
Bharat’s note went beyond personal mentors to include the wider cricket ecosystem. He thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the coaches and managers he encountered throughout his career for backing him unconditionally, helping create an environment in which he could play and perform at the highest level. He also recognised support from the Andhra Cricket Association and the VDCA, along with the office-bearers, for encouraging him from childhood.
In an unusually heartfelt section, Bharat acknowledged the often-overlooked groundstaff, stating that he owed deep respect to every groundsman who worked hard to prepare the best possible pitches and playing conditions. He then extended his gratitude to teammates, crediting the shared moments and achievements that helped shape his career. “Without all of you, it would not have been possible for me to achieve my dream and play this sport all these years,” he wrote.
One of the defining landmarks of Bharat’s domestic career came in the Ranji Trophy. He became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score a triple century in the competition, smashing 308 off 311 balls for Andhra against Goa in Ongole during the 2014-15 season. His wider domestic contributions were also significant, with 2,692 runs in List A cricket and 1,812 in T20 matches.
He also offered thanks to his coach J Krishna Rao for helping shape him into an international cricketer at a young age. To fans and cricket followers around the world, Bharat expressed appreciation for their continued encouragement whenever he represented the country. He described hearing the national anthem and sharing the field with cricket’s “great ambassadors” as memories he would always value. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey. Cricket has given me everything in many ways, and I owe it my life,” he wrote.
Looking ahead, Bharat said he intends to focus on mentoring young players after retirement. He urged youngsters to dream big and then back those dreams with grit, discipline, hard work, and determination. “My journey with BCCI and Test cricket may have come to an end, but my journey in the game continues,” he added, saying he will keep contributing through guidance, mentoring, and coaching for the next generation. “I love India and I love cricket. Thank you for everything,” he concluded.
Bharat’s IPL journey has taken him across multiple franchises. He was part of Delhi Daredevils in 2015, and later played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021, where he struck an unbeaten 78 in a dramatic last-ball victory over Delhi Capitals. In that match, he sealed the result with a straight six off Avesh Khan as the chase came down to the final delivery. Over the next three seasons, Bharat moved through Delhi Capitals in 2022, Gujarat Titans in 2023, and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, the last of those campaigns ending in a title win for his team—though he did not receive many opportunities during the season.
