KS Bharat Eyes Test Cricket Comeback with UAE After Leaving Indian Cricket

Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat is preparing for a possible return to international Test cricket, but he is aiming to represent the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rather than India. The cricketer, who hails from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, was part of India's Test team during 2023 and 2024. He played seven Tests, scoring 221 runs in 12 innings. Behind the stumps, he took 18 catches and completed one stumping.

Bharat got his opportunity in the Indian team after Rishabh Pant was sidelined following a road accident. However, Pant's return and the emergence of Dhruv Jurel as another wicketkeeping option limited Bharat's chances. He subsequently stepped away from Indian cricket to pursue opportunities overseas. Currently in the UAE for the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, Bharat is exploring the possibility of playing Test cricket for the UAE. Under international cricket regulations, players switching national teams must complete a mandatory waiting period, which is reportedly due to end in February next year. Bharat has said that playing Test cricket is one of the greatest experiences for a cricketer. He explained that he decided to leave Indian cricket because he believes he still has more international cricket left in his career. He also expressed enthusiasm about beginning a new chapter with the Emirates Cricket Board and adapting to the T10 format.