After a six-week hiatus due to a back injury sustained during the Duleep Trophy, Kumar Kushagra made a powerful return to competitive cricket, scoring an unbeaten 133 off 166 balls in his first match for Jharkhand. The 20-year-old's century lifted his team to 356 for 9 against Delhi on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite rain delays and a shortened game, Kushagra's innings have made the first-innings lead a crucial goal in the likely draw.
With national selector S Sharath and a Gujarat Titans scout observing from the stands, Kushagra demonstrated intent and poise. He reached his fifty in 83 balls and his century in just 39 more, hitting 15 fours and five sixes in an aggressive display that set him apart on a challenging pitch. His entry reinvigorated the innings after Sharandeep Singh (66 off 219 balls) and Virat Singh (56 off 125 balls) managed only 11 runs in the first 10 overs of the day. "I felt the need to take initiative and push the score along,” Kushagra said after play.
The young wicketkeeper-batter, previously signed by Delhi Capitals in the IPL auction for Rs 7.20 crore, has shown promise beyond his limited IPL appearances and has been fast-tracked into the India A squad. Competing with top keepers like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma, Kushagra remains focused on his performance.
“I don’t view it as competition,” he stated, emphasising his focus on team success and personal growth.
Kushagra’s passion for cricket was inspired at home in Jamshedpur under the guidance of his father, who introduced him to the fundamentals through Bob Woolmer’s The Art and Science of Cricket.
"My father’s guidance has instilled solid basics, but mental strength and character are just as important," he shared, noting that higher-level experiences have helped him develop these qualities.
Brief Scores: Jharkhand 1st Innings 356 for 9 in 125 overs (Kumar Kushagra 133 not out, Sharandeep Singh 64) vs Delhi