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KS Bharat (Source: Twitter)
The England Lions are currently on a tour to India to play a series of three Test matches. After a poor batting display in the first innings of the unofficial Test, the Indian team bounced back really well to end the Test match in a draw. The major fightback from the India batting was shown by Sai Sudharshan (97), who missed out on a well-deserved century and then by the wicketkeeper batter KS Bharat, who went on to compile a brilliant century.
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The Wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat bolstered his chances of securing a spot in the Indian playing XI for the upcoming first Test against England with an outstanding performance in the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions on Sunday. Bharat's century holds significance for India as they aim to ease KL Rahul from wicketkeeping responsibilities.
This century is a welcome development for head coach Rahul Dravid, who has been advocating for Bharat's inclusion in Test matches despite his earlier batting struggles. The 30-year-old exhibited a strong performance, showcasing proficiency on both sides of the wicket. Nine out of his 15 boundaries were scored against spinners, primarily directed towards the on-side.
But it was Bharat’s century celebration which has also been catching the headlines. Marking his 10th first-class century, Bharat dedicated this milestone to Lord Ram in anticipation of the Ayodhya Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony set for January 22.
Watch the video here;
KS Bharat dedicated his hundred against England Lions to "Lord Ram".
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 21, 2024
- Bharat did bow & arrow celebration...!!!!pic.twitter.com/B13stcQBu7
India will take on England in five matches Test Series
India clinched a 3-1 series victory in the last encounter between the two teams in 2021, following England's initial win in the opening game. Under the leadership group of Stokes and McCullum, England has yet to face defeat in a Test series and will aim to secure a series win in India, seeking their first triumph since the remarkable 2-1 victory in 2012.
The imminent tour is set to kick off in Hyderabad on January 25, with subsequent matches scheduled for Visakhapatnam (February 2-6), Rajkot (February 15-19), Ranchi (February 23-27), and Dharamshala (March 7-11).