Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has acquired his maiden India call-up for the final two ODIs in opposition to New Zealand. The 21-year-old will function Ishan Kishan’s backup for the fourth and fifth matches, having been picked ahead of Sanju Samson and Prabhsimran Singh.
Kushagra’s recent performances in home cricket and India A matches have strengthened his case for nationwide choice. He was also recently named wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s substitute within the India A squad for the unofficial Take a look at series in opposition to New Zealand A.
Why Was Kumar Kushagra Picked Ahead of Sanju Samson?
Kumar Kushagra’s choice got here as a shock because he has but to make his senior India debut. The selectors selected him ahead of Sanju Samson, India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in T20Is, and Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh, who has impressed in home cricket and the IPL.
After receiving his maiden call-up on October 16, Kushagra shared the BCCI’s squad announcement on Instagram Tales with the caption “Amen.” The post shortly gained attention because the young wicketkeeper-batter earned his first alternative with the senior nationwide team.
Days earlier, he had changed Pant within the India A squad for the three-match unofficial Take a look at series in opposition to New Zealand A. Pant was ruled out of the opening two matches pending fitness, allowing Kushagra to feature in red-ball cricket from October 24.
Kumar Kushagra’s Early Life and Domestic Cricket Information
Born in Bokaro on October 23, 2004, Kumar Kushagra developed his cricketing abilities with assist from his father, Shashikant, a GST district commissioner who by no means played competitive cricket. His father purchased coaching books and displayed cut-outs of batting pictures on their home walls to help him learn the game.
Inspired by former India captain MS Dhoni, Kushagra started wicketkeeping at the age of 10. He later turned the youngest member of India’s squad for the 2020 Below-19 World Cup at simply 15.
In 2022, Kushagra scored 266 runs in opposition to Nagaland in a Ranji Trophy pre-quarterfinal. Aged 17 years and 141 days, he turned the youngest batter to score 250 runs in first-class cricket. He continued his progress within the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, scoring 227 runs at an average of 56.75 while batting at No. 7.
The fitting-hander has scored 2,507 runs in 38 first-class matches at an average of over 42. In Checklist A cricket, he has accumulated 1,387 runs in 40 matches, together with two centuries and 10 half-centuries.
Kumar Kushagra’s IPL Career and Latest Form
Kumar Kushagra attracted attention at the 2024 IPL public sale when Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹7.2 crore, 36 occasions his base worth. Nevertheless, he managed only three runs in four appearances earlier than the franchise launched him.
Gujarat Titans then acquired him for ₹65 lakh ahead of the 2025 season and retained him for 2026. He made his IPL debut for the franchise in opposition to Rajasthan Royals on April 4, 2026.
During the 2025-26 home season, Kushagra scored 422 runs in 10 matches as Jharkhand gained their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. He played a key function within the ultimate with 81 off 38 balls. He also scored 234 in opposition to Baroda within the Ranji Trophy.
Kushagra carried that type into the Duleep Trophy, scoring 101 and 46 for East Zone within the ultimate in opposition to South Zone. He then impressed for India A in opposition to Australia A in Puducherry, scoring 113 within the first innings and remaining unbeaten on 46 within the second of the primary unofficial Take a look at to earn the Participant of the Match award.
Supply: cricketaddictor.com
