Kushagra’s India call-up lifts Jharkhand Ranji squad, says coach

Jharkhand coach Ratan Kumar said Kumar Kushagra’s maiden India call-up for the last two ODIs against New Zealand has given the state’s young Ranji squad another reason to believe. Kushagra was added to the squad on Friday as backup wicketkeeper-batter. Ratan said the news reached the team in Pune ahead of their second-round match against Maharashtra and lifted morale at dinner.

The 24-year-old squad average has now seen one of its own reach the national side. Ratan said the achievement sends a message that players from Jharkhand can make it to the highest level. Jharkhand began their Ranji campaign with three points after securing a first-innings lead against Kerala.

Kushagra will be Ishan Kishan’s backup for the ODIs on 13 and 15 November. Jharkhand face Maharashtra at the MCA Stadium in Pune from Sunday.