Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Ishant Sharma’s Joke Helped KS Bharat Secure RCB Contract
KS Bharat was a wicketkeeper-batsman who did not have an IPL contract at the time.
His teammates were eating together when Ishant Sharma joked about finding him a team.
Ishant first asked Rohit Sharma for help.
Rohit said his team already had Ishan Kishan.
KL Rahul was also mentioned, but he said he was a wicketkeeper-batsman himself.
Ishant then asked Virat Kohli to do something for Bharat.
Kohli joked that Parthiv Patel was retiring.
Journalist Vimal Kumar said this eventually helped Bharat get an RCB contract.
Ishant Sharma jokingly asked Rohit Sharma to help KS Bharat obtain an IPL contract.
Rohit said Mumbai Indians already had wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan.
KL Rahul declined after being asked because he was also a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Ishant then appealed to his Delhi teammate Virat Kohli to help Bharat.
Kohli joked that Parthiv Patel was retiring, after which Bharat secured an RCB contract, according to journalist Vimal Kumar.
- Who
- KS Bharat, Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Parthiv Patel and journalist Vimal Kumar.
- What
- An anecdote described how Ishant Sharma’s joking appeal to Virat Kohli helped KS Bharat secure an RCB contract.
- When
- During the lunch break on the third day of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka.
- Where
- At a meal involving the players; the specific venue was not stated.
- Why
- Bharat did not have an IPL contract, while the discussion concerned available wicketkeeper-batsman opportunities.
- Player seeking a contract
- KS Bharat
- Reported intermediary
- Ishant Sharma
- Virat Kohli’s remark
- Kohli joked that Parthiv Patel was retiring.
- Other players mentioned
- Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul
- Reported team
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Source
- Journalist Vimal Kumar speaking on Sony Sports
- Setting
- Lunch break during the second India-Sri Lanka Test