Kumar Kushagra made an emphatic comeback to aggressive cricket, scoring an unbeaten century in his first look for Jharkhand after a six-week layoff attributable to a again harm sustained through the Duleep Trophy. The 20-year-old felt ache in his decrease again in Anantapur, which compelled him to overlook the Rising Asia Cup and 4 Ranji Trophy matches.
On Thursday, Kushagra remained unbeaten on 133 off 166 balls, guiding Jharkhand to 356 for 9 on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy match in opposition to Delhi on the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With solely 69 overs bowled on the second day and a complete of 55 overs misplaced over two days, the match is prone to finish in a draw, making the first-innings lead essential.
With nationwide selector S Sharath and a Gujarat Titans scout watching from the stands, Kushagra batted with intent. He reached his fifty in 83 balls and his century in simply 39 extra.
“Through the second Duleep Trophy recreation, I felt some stiffness in my again, which subsequently worsened. As a consequence of this, I missed the India A tour to Oman. I used to be desperate to return to aggressive cricket and was decided to provide my greatest at any time when the chance arose,” the teenager instructed reporters after the day’s play.
Kushagra’s knock was studded with 15 fours and 5 sixes. He reduce, drove and performed ramp photographs with precision, displaying an aggressive method in opposition to spinners. He scored at a strike fee of 80.12 on a pitch the place different Jharkhand batters struggled to up the ante. In a single day batsmen Sharandeep Singh (66 off 219 balls) and Virat Singh (56 off 125 balls) managed solely 11 runs within the first 10 overs of the day earlier than Kushagra walked in and adjusted the complexion of Jharkhand’s innings with calculated dangers. “One factor in my thoughts was that the group’s rating ought to preserve rising. I felt that I needed to take the initiative and rating,” he mentioned.
The wicketkeeper-batter burst onto the scene after being picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 7.20 crore within the IPL public sale final yr, outbidding Gujarat Titans. He performed 4 matches for the franchise, scoring solely three runs in as many innings. Nevertheless, he has been fast-tracked into the India A squad.
Kushagra is considered one of many proficient Indian wicketkeeper-batters. Quickly, he could compete with Dhruv Jurel, his Jharkhand teammate Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma for a spot within the nationwide group. Within the present Jharkhand squad, aside from Kishan, he’s additionally vying with one other proficient gloveman Robin Minz.
“I don’t see it as competitors; I focus alone efficiency. My major aim is to contribute to the group’s success, whatever the format. I don’t dwell on what others are doing. If I carry out nicely, it is going to be useful,” he mentioned.
Kushagra’s cricketing journey started at his residence in Jamshedpur underneath the steerage of his father, who works within the Revenue Tax division. His father instilled in him the basics of cricket by referring to the e book Artwork and Science of Cricket by the late Bob Woolmer.
“My father’s steerage has helped me develop sturdy fundamentals, which I can construct upon. Nevertheless, there’s extra to cricket than simply method. Psychological power, character, and the flexibility to carry out underneath stress are equally vital. These qualities are honed via expertise at greater ranges, reminiscent of India A and Duleep Trophy,” he mentioned.
Temporary Scores
Jharkhand 1st Innings 356 for 9 in 125 overs (Kumar Kushagra 133 not out, Sharandeep Singh 64) vs Delhi
