Former India wicketkeeper KS Bharat is eyeing an international comeback through UAE cricket after joining Emirates Eagles for the Abu Dhabi T10. Currently based in Dubai, he says he is enjoying his second innings while awaiting completion of his cooling-off period

Hyderabad: “Playing Test cricket is the ultimate feeling when you’re playing for your country. Nothing beats that,” says KS Bharat, the former India wicketkeeper from Andhra Pradesh.

Bharat, who is playing his first Abu Dhabi T10 tournament for Emirates Eagles, said: “But as a player, all you want to do is play the game. I’ve been performing well in domestic cricket over the years, but somewhere I felt I still had those international days in me. That is the reason I had to take this hard call.”

Asked whether those international days would come in a UAE shirt, Bharat said: “That is the plan, to be very honest. I still have to complete the cooling-off period. In February, it will be done, and maybe after that I’ll be able to tell you more.”

For now, he lives in Dubai, close to the ICC Academy, where he attends gym sessions and practises in the nets.

“UAE cricket has been kind enough to welcome me and allow me to use its facilities,” he said. “The quality of players you play with is high for a domestic structure because the UAE is a place where you get all kinds of cricketers from South Africa, England, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and, now, a few Indians as well. I’m really loving this second innings,” Bharat said.

“Ten-over cricket is the newest part of it. There is a little bit of adapting to be done,” he said. “Probably remembering the younger days when I used to play with a tennis ball. Before you realise it, two balls and the game changes very quickly, or two dot balls and the game comes back your way. It’s not the easiest format, but I’m having fun,” he said.

Monday was a hard lesson in that format. After making a winning start to their season, the Eagles scored 108 for five against Arabian Aces, but openers Paul Walter and Tom Kohler-Cadmore chased down the target in just 6.5 overs without losing a wicket.

Bharat felt his side were 15 to 20 runs short with the bat, but believed there was more to rectify with the ball and in the field.