India vs Australia, 1st Test: In a heartwarming moment, KS Bharat embraced his mother after receiving his Test cap in Nagpur. The wicketkeeper’s mother was at the venue of the series opener on Thursday, February 9.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 10:01 IST
Test debut and a hug from mom: KS Bharat’s emotional morning in Nagpur (AP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: Kona Srikar Bharat made his Test debut for India as he was picked ahead of Ishan Kishan for the much-anticipated first Test of the 4-match Border Gavaskar series in Nagpur. The 29-year-old was handed his Test cap by senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara at the Indian team huddle ahead of the toss on Thursday, February 9 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
It was an emotional moment for the 29-year-old who had to wait for a long time in the wings before he got the opportunity to wear the Indian whites. There were two debutants for India in the Nagpur Test series opener as the hosts also picked No. 1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav ahead of in-form Shubman Gill.
As it turned out, KS Bharat’s mother was at the venue in Nagpur and the wicketkeeper-batter from Andhra Pradesh shared a heartwarming moment after receiving his Test cap. Bharat embraced his mother who was emotional as well after seeing her son realise his childhood dream.
The photographers at the stadium did not miss the heartwarming moment as they captured Bharat embracing his mother ahead of the toss in Nagpur.
KS Bharat had been waiting in the wings as Rishabh Pant had sealed the wicketkeeper-batter’s spot in Tests for India. The Delhi Capitals captain had been in sensational form, emerging as one of the biggest match-winners for India in the longest format of the game.
Wriddhiman Saha also had to make way for Pant, who was initially struggling to keep wickets at home. However, with big runs under his belt, Pant made rapid strides in terms of improving his glovework.
However, Bharat got the opportunity after Pant was ruled out of the 4-Test series due to multiple injuries suffered in a car accident in December 2022. Pant underwent surgeries to treat his injuries and is expected to be out for at least 6 months.
Bharat has been a prolific run-getter in first-class cricket for Andhra. In 86 matches, Bharat has scored 4707 runs, including 9 hundreds. Bharat also has a first-class triple hundred and is known for his safe wicketkeeping skills.
