Kumar Kushagra Biography:

A hard-hitting wicketkeeping-batsman, Kumar Kushagra got picked up by Delhi Capitals for a hefty Rs 7.20 Crore in IPL 2024.

The 20-year-old from Jharkhand has made a strong impact early on in his domestic career, with some noteworthy innings across formats. Inconsistency, though, has been his Achilles’ heel.

Kushagra didn’t have the most productive season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy this time around, but clearly, there’s enough talent that caught the eye of the franchises, sparkin’ a biddin’ war for him.

Kumar Kushagra, born on 23 October 2004, is an Indian cricketer. His List A debut came on 20 February 2021, playing for Jharkhand in the 2020–21 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before his debut, he earned a spot in India’s squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. On 4 November 2021, Kushagra made his Twenty20 debut for Jharkhand in the 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

From once being called too young at 6 years of age to join a cricket academy, Kumar Kushagra of Jharkhand has embossed his name in cricketing history as the youngest batter in first-class cricket to achieve a score of 250-plus. Kushagra’s huge feat unfolded at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata during Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy pre-quarterfinal clash against Nagaland (March 12-March 16).

At just 17 years and 141 days old, his impressive innings of 266 in the first innings not only got his team success but also broke the record previously held by Pakistani legend Javed Miandad. Miandad had achieved a 250-plus score at the age of 17 years and 311 days back in 1975, remaining the youngest batter to hit a first-class triple century with a score of 311 in the same match.

Happy on his milestone, Kushagra expressed his delight, admitting that he initially did not know of the record until his teammates brought it to his attention. Coming from Jharkhand, the state that produced cricketing stalwarts like MS Dhoni and Ishan Kishan, Kushagra is determined to grab every opportunity that comes his way.

Explaining his journey, Kushagra shared how his father, Shashikant, had been his coach since childhood, instilling in him a passion for the sport despite limited resources. Despite facing setbacks, such as an ankle injury before his debut match, Kushagra’s hard work and self-belief got him to success, as seen in his impressive performance against Nagaland.

Crediting his growth to his father’s undying support and his own dedication, Kushagra expressed the importance of passion and honesty in his development as a cricketer. His temperament and talent were visible during Jharkhand’s commanding victory over Nagaland, where his innings played an important role in securing a historic 1000-plus lead over the opposition.

His first-class debut was on 24 February 2022, representing Jharkhand in the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy. In March 2022, during the preliminary quarter-final match of the Ranji Trophy, Kushagra achieved a huge milestone by scoring his maiden century in first-class cricket. What’s more, he went on to convert it into his maiden double century in first-class cricket.

Looking forward, Kushagra remains focused on his role in the team, aiming to help in their success in the upcoming quarterfinal. Drawing inspiration from cricketing icon MS Dhoni, Kushagra admires Dhoni’s leadership and match-winning abilities, citing him as his role model.