KS Bharat Moves to Dubai, Set to Explore New Cricket Career in UAE

Former wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat, who represented the Indian men’s cricket team in seven Test matches between February 2023 and February 2024, has flown to Dubai to explore cricketing opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

KS Bharat Relocates to Dubai

A report on Friday (June 19) quoted an Emirates Cricket official as saying that the 32-year-old cricketer from Andhra Pradesh, who is set to retire from international cricket on June 4, 2026, is considering both short-term and long-term options in the Middle Eastern nation.

According to the information received, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals player has been given a place in Team Stallions, the local team participating in the four-team tournament organised by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

“He has migrated to Dubai like many other international cricketers from different countries and is looking for short-term and long-term opportunities here,” an Emirates Cricket official said.

There are also reports that India may look for opportunities in the UAE’s premier T20 competition, the International League T20 (ILT20).

KS Bharat’s Career Path

KS Bharat made his debut for India in a Test match against Australia at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on February 9, 2023. Batting at number 8 in his first Test, he got only one chance and scored 8 runs off 10 balls.

He was the wicketkeeper for the Rohit Sharma-led team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was also part of the team that played the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in London.

Bharat also played the opening two Tests of the home series against England in 2024 but lost his place in the playing XI after struggling with the bat in those matches. Dhruv Jurel was selected for the third Test in Rajkot.

KS Bharat’s IPL Career

In the IPL, Bharat has played 10 matches for two franchises, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals. He played eight matches for RCB during the 2021 season and scored 191 runs in seven innings.

In his two appearances for Delhi Capitals in the 2022 IPL, he scored a total of just 8 runs.

Journey of KS Bharat

Overall, Bharat ended his Test career with 221 runs in 12 innings at an average of 20.09, with a highest score of 44. Behind the stumps, he took 20 catches in seven matches and made one stumping.

After stepping away from international cricket earlier this month, the 32-year-old is now looking to continue his playing career by exploring opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

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