03 Kumar Kushagra

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Kumar Kushagra
Kumar Kushagra
Nationality
indIndia
Cricket
Kumar Kushagra
Current Team
GT

A dynamic young talent from Jharkhand’s rich cricketing heritage, Kumar Kushagra (born October 23, 2004) is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter known for his composure and explosive hitting. Emerging as a standout from India’s U19 World Cup 2022 squad, Kushagra has quickly transitioned into a high-impact domestic performer.

As of January 21, 2026, Kushagra is entering the IPL 2026 season as a retained player for the Gujarat Titans (GT). His recent form has been breathtaking; he recently inspired the highest-ever successful run chase in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) history by smashing an unbeaten 86 off 42 balls for Jharkhand in December 2025.


Kumar Kushagra: Career Profile & 2025–26 Milestones

The “Double-Ton” Prodigy

Kushagra first made national headlines by becoming one of the youngest players to score a double century in the Ranji Trophy, smashing 266 against Nagaland at just 17 years old. He proved this was no fluke in November 2025, when he hammered a masterful 234 against Baroda, anchoring Jharkhand to a mammoth 506-run total.

IPL Evolution: From DC to Gujarat Titans

His raw potential sparked a massive bidding war in 2024, where Delhi Capitals secured him for a staggering ₹7.20 Crore. While his initial stint saw limited opportunities, his move to Gujarat Titans in 2025 for ₹65 Lakh has provided a fresh platform. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill and the coaching of Ashish Nehra, he is now being groomed as a primary middle-order finisher and wicketkeeping option for the 2026 season.

Recent Domestic Dominance (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026)

Kushagra enters the 2026 IPL season in the form of his life:

  • SMAT Record-Breaker: Finished the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 316 runs in 7 matches, striking at 156.43.

  • Vijay Hazare Consistency: Continued his run-scoring streak in the List A format, providing crucial stability to Jharkhand’s middle order.


Kumar Kushagra: Consolidated Statistics

Data updated as of January 21, 2026.

IPL Batting & Fielding Records

Year Team Matches Runs High Score Average Strike Rate Catches
2024 DC 4 3 2 1.00 42.86 1
Career Total 4 3 2 1.00 42.86 1

Domestic Performance Summary (All Formats)

Format Matches Runs High Score Average 100s / 50s
First-Class 30 1,912 266 41.56 4 / 5
List A 35 1,240 143* 56.36 2 / 9
T20s (SMAT) 32 676 86* 28.16 0 / 5