Who is Kumar Kushagra? Why Delhi Capitals Bought Him for Rs 7.2 Crore in IPL 2024?
Aoba Tanaka
2 min read
In a keenly contested IPL 2024 auction, Delhi Capitals successfully acquired the services of Jharkhand’s promising wicket-keeper batter, Kumar Kushagra, for a noteworthy sum of Rs. 7.2 crore. The Capitals faced stiff competition from Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans before securing the 19-year-old’s talents.
As Captain Rishabh Pant is not going to do wicket keeping so, they need a keeper who can bat as well. Here comes Kumar Kushagra who is young and talented and right for the job.
Notable Performances and Rising Star
Kumar Kushagra’s rising star status is backed by notable performances in domestic cricket. He stood out as the sixth-highest run-scorer in the Deodhar Trophy, amassing 227 runs in five innings at a commendable strike rate of 109.13. His Vijay Hazare Trophy exploits, including a crucial 37-ball 67, showcased his ability to anchor his team to victory against formidable targets.
Under-19 World Cup and Ranji Trophy Heroics
Having represented India in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020, Kumar Kushagra gained attention. However, it was his exceptional double hundred against Nagaland in the Ranji Trophy pre-quarterfinals at the age of 17 that made him the youngest batter to achieve such a feat.
Journey to Stardom
Kushagra’s journey to stardom gained momentum with an impressive showing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, where he contributed significantly to Jharkhand’s success. His consistent performances across formats, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, positioned him as one of India’s most promising young talents.
Impressive T20 Record and Maturity Beyond Years
With 140 runs in 11 T20 matches at a striking rate of 117.64, Kumar Kushagra has demonstrated his adaptability and maturity on the field. His recent exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24, accumulating 275 and 164 runs respectively, underscore his growing influence as a top-order batsman.
MS Dhoni Connection and Family Support
Kumar Kushagra’s connection to cricketing legend MS Dhoni goes beyond comparisons, as Sourav Ganguly, part of the Delhi Capitals management, was highly impressed during trial camps. Ganguly’s promise to secure Kushagra, even bidding up to Rs 10 crore if needed, reflects the young talent’s potential. Kushagra’s cricketing journey, shaped under the guidance of his father Shashikant, showcases a strong family and coaching foundation.
Future with Delhi Capitals
With a substantial bid and unwavering confidence from the Delhi Capitals, Kumar Kushagra enters the upcoming IPL season with high expectations. The combination of consistent performances, backing from cricketing stalwarts, and his promising talent positions him as a player to watch in the quest for cricketing glory.
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