India wicketkeeper-batter Kona Srikar Bharat announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, June 4, closing the curtains on a brief Test career with the intention of pursuing opportunities in overseas T20 leagues.
The 32-year-old Andhra cricketer, who played seven Tests for India between 2023 and 2024, joins a growing list of Indian domestic cricketers – including Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar – who have recently retired from the domestic structure to ply their trade globally. Under Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regulations, active players are barred from participating in foreign franchise leagues unless they officially sever ties with Indian cricket.
Bharat was long regarded as one of the most technically sound glovemen in the country, accumulating over 6,000 runs for Andhra in domestic cricket, where he featured as recently as the Ranji Trophy earlier this year. His international breakthrough arrived following Rishabh Pant’s serious car accident, making his Test debut against Australia in February 2023.
However, a lean patch with the bat ultimately cut his international tenure short. Across his seven appearances, Bharat scored 221 runs at an average of 20.09, with a highest score of 44. The subsequent emergence of younger options like Dhruv Jurel and the return of Pant meant Bharat fell down the pecking order.
A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
Confirming his exit in an emotional statement, Bharat expressed immense pride in fulfilling his lifelong ambition of donning the Test cap.
“With a proud heart and a sense of gratitude, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Bharat said.
“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 is worth every moment.”
Bharat paid tribute to his family before singling out his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut captain Virat Kohli, national captain Rohit Sharma, and former head coach Rahul Dravid for their roles in his ascent.
“A big thank you to my IPL debut captain Virat Kohli for giving me an opportunity to show my skill and come into recognition,” Bharat stated.
“A big thank you to my Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, under whom I made my Test debut, which is priceless and beyond words. To my Indian coach, Rahul Dravid sir, his guidance from India A to the Indian team is unforgettable. With your support I could become an Indian Test cricketer.”
Looking ahead to his future on the global T20 circuit and beyond, he said: “My journey with BCCI and Test cricket may have come to an end, but my journey in the game continues. I will keep playing, contributing, and giving back to cricket by guiding, mentoring, and coaching the next generation who dream of making it big. I love India and I love cricket.”
– Ends
