In a surprising turn of events on the evening of December 19, 2023, 19-year-old cricketer Kumar Kushagra from Jharkhand found himself amidst an unexpected struggle during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Auction. Alone in his room at the training camp in Ranchi, with a malfunctioning TV, Kushagra faced the challenge of following his bidding process. Ultimately, he was auctioned off to Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 7.20 crore, marking a life-changing moment for the young player.
Kushagra, a diligent student turned cricketer, had initially focused on academics until the age of 12 when he secured a spot in the Jharkhand Under-16s. Since then, cricket took center stage in his life. His journey to becoming a Delhi Capitals player involved significant support from his father, who, without formal cricket training, relied on cricket-related books, including Bob Woolmer’s ‘The Art and Science of Cricket,’ to guide Kushagra in his formative years.
At 17, Kushagra made headlines by scoring a remarkable double hundred against Nagaland in the Ranji Trophy, becoming the youngest batter to accumulate 250 or more runs in a first-class innings. His recent performances in the Deodhar Trophy, where he emerged as the sixth-highest run-scorer, further solidified his position as a promising talent.
The turning point towards joining Delhi Capitals came when Sourav Ganguly, the franchise’s team director, personally reached out to Kushagra, expressing interest and inviting him for a trial. Despite initial hurdles with the state association denying permission to leave the side, Ganguly’s direct involvement paved the way for Kushagra to showcase his talent and secure a spot in the IPL team.
Impressed by Kushagra’s performance during the trials and camps, Ganguly played a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals’ decision to acquire the young talent for IPL 2024. With Rishabh Pant’s recovery from injuries still uncertain, Kushagra could play a crucial role in the team, especially in the wicketkeeping department.
Coming from the same land as cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kushagra looks forward to the IPL as a potential opportunity to meet his idol. He has a list of questions for Dhoni, ranging from wicketkeeping tips to balancing smart work and hard work, demonstrating his eagerness to learn from the experienced cricketer.
Despite the intense competition in the wicketkeeping domain at the international level, Kushagra maintains a focused and joyful approach to the game. His priority is to enjoy playing cricket and contribute to winning matches for his team, showcasing a mature mindset beyond his years.
Comments