I've started preparing for West Indies tour: KS Bharat

KS Bharat has been named as the wicket-keeper in the India test squad squad along with Ishan Kishan for West Indies tour.

KS Bharat is part of the recently announced Indian squad for the two Tests against West Indies when they will tour the Caribbean next month in July which will also consist of 3 ODIs and five T20I matches as well.

Bharat has been picked as a wicket-keeper along with Ishan Kishan as the second keeper in the squad captained by Rohit Sharma. In a surprise, Cheteshwar Pujara and Umesh Yadav have been dropped from the side, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, and Navdeep Saini are included.

Ajinkya Rahane has been named as the vice-captain of the Indian team for the West Indies tour as well.

Bharat, who made his debut against Australia at home and also kept wickets in the WTC 2023 final at the Oval, said that he has been practicing at Vizianagaram Grounds and B-Grounds of Dr YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, by preparing similar type of wickets.

“Representing Andhra and my country was very special. I cannot express my feeling in words. I am very grateful to my well-wishers, supporters, ACA, VDCA, and my teammates,” Bharat was quoted by the Hindu.

He was felicitated by members of the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA) at Dr YSR ACA VDCA Stadium here on Friday and congratulated for his selection for the West Indies tour.

KS Bharat says he focuses on his own game and does not think about the competition

KS Bharat was asked about how he became confident in the use of DRS reviews helping out captain Rohit Sharma from behind and was also queried about what he thinks of his competitors in the Indian team.

He said: “During practice sessions, I watch the ball from behind the wickets, take a call, and challenge the bowler about the possible decision, which helps me out eventually.”

Speaking about the competition from Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, and Wriddhiman Saha, Mr. Bharat said that he just focuses on his game.