Last Update on: February 9th, 2023 at 12:58 pm

Andhra wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat made his much-awaited Test debut in the first Test of the four-match series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, on Thursday, February 9. KS Bharat had to wait his turn because India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant, performed consistently in the longer format of the game.

Bharat has been India’s backup wicketkeeper for Pant in Tests for some time, and he got the chance to represent the country after the Delhi Capitals’ captain was injured in a road accident in December. The 28-year-old kept wickets as a substitute player in the home series against New Zealand in 2021 when Wriddhiman Saha was unable to take the gloves due to a stiff neck.

Without Them, It Would Not Have Been Quite Possible – Bharat

In a video released by the BCCI, Bharat thanked his teammates, family, wife, parents, friends, and coaches for their hard work and support over the years. He said that without them it would not have been possible for him to reach where he is now.

“It is a very proud moment, lot of emotions. It is not just my dream, so many people have dreamt about me going on and playing for India and doing well,” KS Bharat said.

“So much hard work and so much support behind me over the years, right from my teammates, to my family, my wife, parents, friends, and coaches, without them, it would not have been quite possible. I think a lot of credit goes to them for putting in all they had behind me and making me reach where I am today,” he added.

As @KonaBharat gets set for the biggest day in his life, the Test debutant recalls his long journey to the top 👍 👍 – By @RajalArora

FULL INTERVIEW 🎥 🔽 #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS https://t.co/BLCpG0eOns pic.twitter.com/mih3f2AdIk

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 9, 2023

KS Bharat has been a consistent performer for Andhra on the domestic circuit. He played 86 first-class matches before making his Test debut for Team India. He scored 4707 runs with an average of 37.95, including 9 centuries and 27 half-centuries.

He has been considered one of the best wicketkeepers in India right now, and he affected 331 dismissals in first-class cricket. The right-handed batter represented India A and proved his worth. He has represented the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far.

Also read: IND VS AUS: “IN INDIAN CONDITIONS, THE OPPOSITION IS ALWAYS UNDER PRESSURE” – CHETESHWAR PUJARA ON BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY 2023

IND vs AUS: “It Is Not Just My Dream, So Many People Have Dreamt About Me Going On And Playing For India And Doing Well” – KS Bharat On His Test Debut

Without Them, It Would Not Have Been Quite Possible – Bharat

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