The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag will witness a double celebration this Friday – the second India vs England Test and the homecoming of local boy KS Bharat. Set to make his first Test appearance on familiar turf, KS Bharat will be felicitated by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).
KS Bharat’s journey is deeply intertwined with the Vizag stadium. Having started his cricketing career there, he returns as the second Andhra player to represent India in a Test on home soil. In fact only MSK Prasad and Hanuma Vihari are the only other Andhra players to have played Test cricket for India before KS Bharat.
While the legendary CK Nayudu captained the first Indian Test team, his association with Andhra came later in his career. Bharat’s story, however, is one of pure local pride, having witnessed international matches from the sidelines as a ball boy in 2005 to stepping onto the pitch as a Test player himself.
Felicitation ceremony for KS Bharat today
“We have planned a felicitation ceremony for KS Bharat,” confirmed ACA secretary Gopinath Reddy to News18, revealing the gesture planned for Thursday. “It will happen in the stadium itself and is a token of appreciation for his achievement.”
This homecoming celebration adds another layer of significance to the upcoming Test. Witnessing a local talent rise to national prominence and receive recognition in his own backyard promises to be a heartwarming moment for both KS Bharat and the Vizag faithful.
Cricket fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere on Friday as they cheer not only for Team India but also celebrate the remarkable journey of their very own KS Bharat. The stage is set for a Test match teeming with emotion, talent, and local pride.
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