Kumar Kushagra Shares His Cricketing Inspiration And Journey Ahead Of A Promising IPL 2026 With Gujarat Titans | Exclusive

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Young Jharkhand wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Kushagra has etched his name in the domestic cricket circuit through determination and a fearless batting approach. He was part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, where he stitched a match-winning 177-run partnership with captain Ishan Kishan to defeat Haryana in the final.

Kushagra first grabbed headlines after he bagged a whopping 7.2 cr contract from the Delhi Capitals in 2024. However, he had a forgettable start to his IPL career as he returned with scores of 0, 1, and 2 in three outings in the 2024 IPL. When it looked like all doors of a comeback would be shut, a window of opportunity opened as the Gujarat Titans bought him in the last IPL auction for ₹ 65 lakh.

With consistent performances on the domestic circuit, Kumar Kushagra is pushing strongly for a return to the Indian Premier League in the 2026 season.

The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter has impressed across formats. In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 102 off 143 balls against Uttar Pradesh in January 2026 and earlier smashed a remarkable 234 off 367 balls against Baroda in November 2025. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kushagra registered an unbeaten 143 off 137 balls against Kerala.

He also showcased his T20 prowess in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, powering the Jharkhand cricket team to victory over Tamil Nadu with a quickfire unbeaten 84 off 48 balls, including five sixes.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Kushagra shares his experience from the domestic circuit, which has helped him in franchise cricket.

Dhoni's Impact On Cricket

Coming from a state that has produced one of India's greatest captains, MS Dhoni, Kushagra grew up inspired by the legacy of the former India skipper. The young cricketer credits Dhoni's mindset and calm approach as one of the biggest lessons he has tried to absorb in his own career.

For Kushagra, the key takeaway from Dhoni's journey is the mindset of doing what others cannot. According to the wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni's ability to think differently and remain calm under pressure is a defining trait that separates great players from the rest.

Domestic Performances And Leadership Role

Kushagra's domestic journey has been closely tied to the Jharkhand cricket team, where he has taken on leadership responsibilities at a young age. During domestic tournaments, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, he has often stepped up as a key batter in the middle order.

One of his notable performances came in a domestic final against Haryana, where Kushagra scored an impressive 81 runs in a crucial innings. Batting alongside fellow Jharkhand star Ishan Kishan, the duo formed a strong right-hand and left-hand combination that proved difficult for the opposition bowlers.

Kushagra explained that their partnership worked effectively because it disrupted the opposition's bowling plans. While Kishan targeted left-arm spinners, Kushagra took on the off-spinners, allowing them to dominate the middle overs and put the pressure back on the opposition.

As senior players in the side, with Kishan as captain and Kushagra as vice-captain at times, both understood their responsibility to perform in high-pressure matches and guide the team during big tournaments.

IPL Experience And Learning Curve

Kushagra's progress in domestic cricket earned him opportunities in the Indian Premier League, where he has been part of squads such as the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.

Although he did not get many opportunities to play matches, Kushagra used the experience to learn from senior international players. He focused on observing teammates and preparing himself mentally for the moment when his opportunity arrives.

Instead of feeling disappointed while sitting out games, Kushagra concentrated on improving his understanding of the game and preparing himself to seize any chance that comes his way.

Looking Ahead Towards A Promising IPL Season

As the new IPL season approaches, Kushagra believes he has already made several improvements in his game over the past few years. Having spent time with IPL teams and experienced the international cricket environment, he now believes maintaining the right mindset is the most important factor going forward.

With growing domestic experience, leadership exposure, and valuable lessons from senior cricketers, Kumar Kushagra continues to build his path in Indian cricket. His journey reflects the story of a determined young player aiming to turn domestic success into bigger opportunities on the national and franchise stages.