Andhra Star KS Bharat Announces International Retirement, Thanks Kohli and Rohit

Wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on a career that saw him fulfill his dream of representing India at the highest level. The Andhra Pradesh cricketer shared the news through an emotional Instagram post, expressing pride and gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Indian jersey and play Test cricket.

In his retirement statement, Bharat described representing India as the greatest honour of his life. He reflected on the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices required to reach the international stage, stating that every challenge he faced was worthwhile for the privilege of playing for his country.

Bharat also paid a heartfelt tribute to his family, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his journey. He thanked his parents and sister for supporting him throughout more than two decades of pursuing a shared dream, crediting them for shaping him through love, discipline, and hard work.

The wicketkeeper-batter concluded his international career with seven Test appearances for India. During those matches, he scored 221 runs at an average of 20.09, with a highest score of 44. Behind the stumps, Bharat was equally reliable, taking 21 catches and completing one stumping.

Expressing gratitude to the BCCI, Bharat thanked the coaches, managers, and administrators who supported him throughout his cricketing journey. He noted that the positive environment created by them allowed him to develop and perform at the highest level of the game.

The 31-year-old also acknowledged the contribution of the Andhra Cricket Association and the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA). Bharat said their encouragement and support from his childhood years played a significant role in helping him achieve his dream of becoming an international cricketer.

Bharat reserved special praise for the ground staff who prepared pitches and maintained playing conditions throughout his career. He emphasized that their hard work often goes unnoticed but remains an essential part of every cricketer’s success story.

The Andhra star also thanked his teammates, saying their support and shared achievements were instrumental in his growth as a player. He added that without the camaraderie and backing of his fellow cricketers, it would not have been possible to enjoy such a memorable journey in the sport.

Kohli, Rohit & Dravid Receive Special Mention

Among the individuals he acknowledged were former India captain Virat Kohli, current skipper Rohit Sharma, and former head coach Rahul Dravid. Bharat thanked Kohli for giving him his IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021, an opportunity that helped him gain recognition on a larger stage.

He also expressed gratitude to Rohit Sharma for leading him during his Test debut, calling the experience priceless. Bharat further praised Rahul Dravid for his guidance from the India A setup to the senior national team, saying the legendary coach’s mentorship played a major role in his development as an international cricketer.

Reflecting on his IPL career, Bharat enjoyed his most notable season in 2021, scoring 191 runs in eight matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an average of 38.20. He later represented Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022 but managed only eight runs in two appearances.

In the final part of his message, Bharat thanked his childhood coach J Krishna Rao and the fans who supported him throughout his career. He described hearing the Indian national anthem and sharing the field with some of cricket’s greatest ambassadors as memories he would cherish forever. While his international journey has come to an end, Bharat said he plans to remain involved in the game through mentoring, coaching, and guiding the next generation of cricketers, encouraging young players to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.