KS Bharat retires from international cricket at age 32:Ex-RCB star expresses gratitude in emotional note thanking Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

KS Bharat has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 32-year-old, on 4 June, took to Instagram to announce this decision while sharing an emotional note where he thanked everyone who supported him in his journey. Hailing from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Bharat received his first India call-up in 2019. But it was not before 2023 that he got to make his debut for India, in a Test match. Bharat’s last appearance for India was against England in a Test in his home venue in Visakhapatnam. Bharat was also part of the India vs Australia ICC WTC 2021-23 final. ‘My journey in the game continues’ In an Instagram post, the 32-year-old expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ACA–VDCA (Andhra Cricket Association–Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association). He also thanked Virat Kohli under whom he made his IPL debut in 2021 and Rohit Sharma for his Test debut in 2023. “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 an environment and support system they have been. I am a product of their love, discipline and hardwork, ” a part of his note read. After his Test debut against Australia in Nagpur in 2023, Bharat would go on to play just seven Test matches, where he amassed 221 runs. He did not feature for India in any other format. However, his record in First Class cricket is impressive. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter scored 6102 runs in 113 appearances, with 380 catches and 42 stumpings. His last appearance in domestic cricket was against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal earlier this year, where he scored 47 runs in an innings and did not bat in the other innings. Also read: Virat Kohli ruled out of ODI series against Afghanistan: Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to be picked for No 3 position; uncertainty on Rohit remains KS Bharat’s last ball six helped RCB beat DC in thriller Although he played just 10 IPL matches, Bharat would be remembered by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans for his last-ball six against the Delhi Capitals. Back in 2021, the right-hander had helped the then Virat Kohli-led RCB defeat DC in an absolute thriller. With five runs needed off the last ball, Bharat had hit Avesh Khan for a six.