A young wicketkeeper-batter who has impressed everyone with his performances in domestic cricket is now set to take the next big step in his career. Kumar Kushagra has received his maiden call-up to the Indian team and will be part of the ODI squad for the final two matches of India’s five-match 50-over series on the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which begins later this month.
Born on October 23, 2004, Kumar Kushagra is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter who represents Jharkhand in domestic cricket and Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has played 38 first-class matches, scoring 2,507 runs at an average of over 42. Kumar Kushagra is known for his fighting approach in the middle order and his ability to bat at different positions, from number three to number six. He has also shown that he can handle pressure and deliver when his team needs him the most.
His Father Built His Cricketing Foundation
Kumar Kushagra’s cricketing journey began in a household where the game was treated with discipline. His father Shashikant works as a GST district commissioner and never played cricket himself. However, he supported his son’s ambitions by purchasing coaching books and putting cut-outs of good cricket shots on the walls to help him learn the game.
During the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, Kumar Kushagra once video-called his mother from his hotel. Her advice was simple: he should concentrate entirely on his cricket.
Inspired by former India captain MS Dhoni, Kumar Kushagra started wicketkeeping at the age of 10. His progress was rapid and at just 15, he became the youngest member of India’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup.
Record-Breaking Knock Put Him In The Spotlight
Kumar Kushagra attracted widespread attention in 2022 when he smashed 266 runs against Nagaland in a Ranji Trophy pre-quarterfinal match. At 17 years and 141 days, he became the youngest player to score 250 runs in first-class cricket.
He continued his impressive run in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, scoring 227 runs at an average of 56.75 while batting at number seven. These performances strengthened his reputation as a dependable batter capable of making valuable contributions lower down the order.
IPL Journey: From Delhi Capitals To Gujarat Titans
Kumar Kushagra’s domestic performances earned him a major opportunity at the IPL 2024 auction, where Delhi Capitals bought him for Rs 7.2 crore — 36 times his base price. However, he struggled to make an impact during his first IPL season, scoring just three runs in four appearances. Delhi Capitals subsequently released him.
Gujarat Titans signed him for Rs 65 lakh ahead of the 2025 season and retained him for 2026. He made his debut for the franchise on April 4 against Rajasthan Royals, marking another important milestone in his career.
Strong Domestic Form Earns National Recognition
Kumar Kushagra’s recent performances have played a major role in earning him his first India call-up. During the 2025-26 season, he scored 422 runs in 10 matches as Jharkhand won their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. His contribution included a blistering 81 off just 38 balls in the final.
He also produced a remarkable innings of 234 runs against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. He finished the season with 572 runs at an average of 47.66.
His impressive form continued in September, when he scored a century in the Duleep Trophy final for East Zone. He then struck 113 runs for India A against Australia A in Puducherry.
With consistent performances across domestic competitions and the IPL, Kumar Kushagra has now earned his maiden opportunity with the Indian senior team. His selection for the final two ODIs against New Zealand gives the young wicketkeeper-batter a chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.
All the best to Kumar Kushagra for his future endeavours!
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