Kumar Kushagra Reflects on His Journey from IPL Rookie to Domestic Star

Kumar Kushagra, a rising cricket star from Jharkhand, reflects on his journey from securing his first IPL contract with Delhi Capitals to achieving domestic success with Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He shares insights on learning from top players like Jos Buttler and his emotional milestones in the sport. This article delves into his experiences and aspirations as he continues to make his mark in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 23:35 IST

A Memorable First IPL Contract

Kumar Kushagra, a promising 21-year-old cricketer from Jharkhand, shared his feelings about securing his first IPL contract with Delhi Capitals for Rs 7.20 crore during the 2024 season auction. He described this achievement as a "very special moment" in his career.

At just 19, Kushagra experienced fierce competition during the bidding process, ultimately leading to his selection by the Delhi franchise for a significant sum. He expressed that this contract marked an emotional milestone, emphasizing that playing in the IPL is a dream for every aspiring cricketer and a crucial step towards representing India.

Kushagra reflected on the recognition he received for his dedication and hard work, viewing the opportunity to collaborate with new coaches and teammates as invaluable. "It was a very emotional and crucial time for me, as it validated my efforts and brought me closer to my goal of representing the Indian team," he stated.

Gaining Experience with Gujarat Titans

After a brief stint with Delhi, where he played only four matches and scored three runs, Kushagra was acquired by Gujarat Titans in the 2025 auction. The franchise showed their faith in him by retaining him for the 2026 season.

During his time with the Titans, he learned significantly from seasoned players like Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. Kushagra noted that their success stems from a unique level of preparation and mindset. He even had discussions with Buttler regarding batting strategies in T20 formats, which he later implemented in his domestic games.

"Observing their techniques and practices has been enlightening. Jos Buttler, for instance, has maintained consistent performance for England over the years, and I gained valuable insights from him that I applied during my domestic season," Kushagra remarked.

Domestic Triumph with Jharkhand

Kumar Kushagra played a pivotal role in Jharkhand's victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) during the 2025-26 season. Alongside captain Ishan Kishan, he was instrumental in leading Jharkhand to their first-ever title in this tournament, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer.

In the final match against Haryana, Kushagra delivered an impressive performance, scoring 81 runs off 38 balls, which contributed to his team's total of 262/3 in 20 overs. Jharkhand ultimately secured the championship by winning the match by 69 runs.