Former India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat is reportedly considering a return to international Test cricket, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a possible destination for the next phase of his career. Having represented India in seven Tests, the 33-year-old is keen to continue playing competitive cricket and believes he still has more to offer at the international level. Bharat is currently in the UAE, participating in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Following his retirement from the Indian national team, he has become eligible to explore opportunities in overseas franchise cricket. He is also interested in representing the UAE national team in Test cricket once he completes the mandatory cooling-off period. In an official statement, Bharat explained that his performances in domestic cricket have strengthened his belief that he can continue playing at a high level.
Although representing India in the longest format remains his biggest achievement, he does not want to bring his professional career to an end just yet.“Playing Test cricket is the ultimate feeling when you’re playing for your country. Nothing beats that. But as a player, there’s all you want to do to play the game. I’ve been performing well in domestic cricket over the years,” KS Bharat said.
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The wicketkeeper further revealed that he began considering his future after realising he still had the desire and ability to play international cricket. His potential UAE comeback could become clearer once the required cooling-off period is completed in February next year.
“But somewhere I felt I still have those international days in me. That is the reason I had to make this hard call (the retirement in June). That is the plan, to be very honest. I still have to complete the cooling-off period. In February, it will be done, and maybe after that I’ll be able to tell you more,” KS Bharat added.
Bharat also praised the UAE Cricket Board for providing him access to its facilities. He believes the country’s domestic cricket structure offers a competitive environment, with players from several cricketing nations contributing to the talent pool.
KS Bharat, who had retired from Indian cricket, is preparing to give international cricket another shot 💪 https://t.co/79GJGHilGn
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 11, 2026
“The UAE cricket board has been kind enough to welcome me and allow me to use their facilities. The quality of players you play with is high for a domestic structure, because the UAE is a place where you get all kinds of cricketers, from South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and a few Indians now. I’m really loving this second innings,” he noted.
Bharat represented India in seven Tests between 2023 and 2024, scoring 221 runs across 12 innings. He also contributed behind the stumps with 18 catches and one stumping. Meanwhile, the former India player is adapting to the demands of the T10 format, which requires quick decision-making and an aggressive approach.
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“There is a little bit of adaptation to be done. Probably, remembering the younger days when I used to play with a tennis ball. Before you realise it, two balls and the game changes very quickly; two-dot-two balls and the game comes back your way. It’s not the easiest format, but I’m having fun,” KS Bharat concluded.
