Kumar Kushagra earns India call-up after strong domestic season
Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter added to limited-overs squads after averaging above 47 across three domestic competitions.
Kumar Kushagra was added to India’s ODI and T20I squads for the remaining matches against New Zealand after a consistent run across domestic competitions this season. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand scored 572 runs at 47.66 in the Ranji Trophy, 368 runs at 73.60 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 422 runs at a strike rate of 161.68 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Kushagra made his Ranji Trophy debut in the 2021-22 season and worked on his technique against pace after a dip in form the following year. He was first named as a replacement for Rishabh Pant in the India A series against New Zealand A before earning senior call-ups. Jharkhand coach Ratan Kumar said the state side would benefit from having its bench tested while players move to higher levels.
Kushagra replaces Ishan Kishan, who was ruled out of the third T20I with a groin injury. The series continues in Wellington on Wednesday.
CricHubb Take
Kushagra’s selection shows India are willing to blood young wicketkeeper-batters who have performed across formats rather than waiting for established names to regain fitness.