Career limited to just seven tests; K S Bharat announces international retirement at 32

MUMBAI: Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter K S Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 32. Bharat, who represented India in seven Test matches, shared the news through a note on his Instagram page, adding that he plans to focus on mentoring and developing young cricketers in the future.

Bharat made headlines during the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season when he scored 308 runs off 311 balls for Andhra against Goa in Ongole, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter in Ranji Trophy history to score a triple century.

He made his Test debut against Australia in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy at Nagpur in February 2023. His final Test appearance came against England in Visakhapatnam in February 2024. After going unsold in the 2026 IPL auction, Bharat decided to bring his international career to an end.

In the IPL, Bharat represented Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Although he was part of Gujarat Titans in 2023 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, he did not secure a place in the playing XI.

His note said
‘With a proud heart and sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket. To play for my country has been the greatest honor of my life. In a family of four, we all lived the same dream over to decades, a big heart to my sister, mom and dad for creating an environment and support system they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hard work.’

Bharat also expressed gratitude to the cricketing stars and mentors who helped him shape his career, offering special thanks to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid.