On April 7, 2024, teenage Jharkhand wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians.

Another wicketkeeping prodigy from Jharkhand

Kumar Kushagra was a couple of months old when MS Dhoni debuted for India. The state of Jharkhand was still new, but as Dhoni grew in stature, he inspired a generation. Over time, Jharkhand has produced several Indian caps, even a second wicketkeeper, in Ishan Kishan. Kushagra, the latest big name of that ilk, had taken to keeping only after watching Dhoni.

Kushagra rose rapidly through age-group cricket, playing for Jharkhand Under-16s before graduating to the Under-19s level. He was part of the India Under-19 squad that finished runners-up at the 2020 World Cup, albeit as the reserve keeper – a backup for vice-captain Dhruv Jurel.

By 2020/21, he made his debut for Jharkhand in both the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy and the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He first played in the Ranji Trophy in 2022 as a wicketkeeper. When Kishan played for the side, it was as a batter.

A bidding war at the IPL 2024 auction

Like most uncapped cricketers, Kushagra – who had turned 19 two months before the IPL 2024 auction – put himself at a base price of INR 20 lakh. Delhi Capitals won a fierce bid against Gujarat Titans to acquire him at INR 7.2 crore, 36 times his base price. Of the uncapped players, only Sameer Rizvi (8.4 crore) went for more.

One can see why. During the auction, there was still uncertainty over Rishabh Pant’s availability. Even if he played, there was no assurance of him being able to keep wickets. While that was true, so was the fact that Bengal wicketkeeper Abishek Porel had impressed in his limited outings for the franchise.

The amount drew attention to Kushagra’s career. There was little in his T20 career to suggest his potential at that point: from 11 matches, he had made 140 runs at a strike rate of 118, and had a highest score of 33 – in other words, he had scored neither big nor quick in the format.

Yet, there was promise. Delhi mentor Sourav Ganguly had personally reached out to Kushagra and invited him to the trials. After the trial, Ganguly assured Kushagra’s father that the franchise would not mind spending up to INR 10 crore on Kushagra.

Pant’s return on either side of the stumps delayed Kushagra’s IPL debut for four matches. Finally, against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Delhi had named him as an Impact Player. He took field once Khaleel Ahmed was done with his spell by the 17th over, but fell first ball in a high chase.

In their home match on April 27 against the same opposition, Delhi named him in the first XI.

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