Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has received his maiden India call-up for the final two ODIs against New Zealand. The 21-year-old will serve as Ishan Kishan's backup for the fourth and fifth matches, having been picked ahead of Sanju Samson and Prabhsimran Singh.

Kushagra's recent performances in domestic cricket and India A matches have strengthened his case for national selection. He was also recently named wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's replacement in the India A squad for the unofficial Test series against New Zealand A.

Why Was Kumar Kushagra Picked Ahead of Sanju Samson?

Kumar Kushagra's selection came as a surprise because he has yet to make his senior India debut. The selectors chose him ahead of Sanju Samson, India's first-choice wicketkeeper in T20Is, and Punjab opener Prabhsimran Singh, who has impressed in domestic cricket and the IPL.

After receiving his maiden call-up on October 16, Kushagra shared the BCCI's squad announcement on Instagram Stories with the caption "Amen." The post quickly gained attention as the young wicketkeeper-batter earned his first opportunity with the senior national team.

Days earlier, he had replaced Pant in the India A squad for the three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A. Pant was ruled out of the opening two matches pending fitness, allowing Kushagra to feature in red-ball cricket from October 24.

Kumar Kushagra's Early Life and Domestic Cricket Records

Born in Bokaro on October 23, 2004, Kumar Kushagra developed his cricketing skills with support from his father, Shashikant, a GST district commissioner who never played competitive cricket. His father bought coaching books and displayed cut-outs of batting shots on their home walls to help him learn the game.

Inspired by former India captain MS Dhoni, Kushagra began wicketkeeping at the age of 10. He later became the youngest member of India's squad for the 2020 Under-19 World Cup at just 15.

In 2022, Kushagra scored 266 runs against Nagaland in a Ranji Trophy pre-quarterfinal. Aged 17 years and 141 days, he became the youngest batter to score 250 runs in first-class cricket. He continued his progress in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, scoring 227 runs at an average of 56.75 while batting at No. 7.

The right-hander has scored 2,507 runs in 38 first-class matches at an average of over 42. In List A cricket, he has accumulated 1,387 runs in 40 matches, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries.

Kumar Kushagra's IPL Career and Recent Form

Kumar Kushagra attracted attention at the 2024 IPL auction when Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹7.2 crore, 36 times his base price. However, he managed only three runs in four appearances before the franchise released him.

Gujarat Titans then acquired him for ₹65 lakh ahead of the 2025 season and retained him for 2026. He made his IPL debut for the franchise against Rajasthan Royals on April 4, 2026.

During the 2025-26 domestic season, Kushagra scored 422 runs in 10 matches as Jharkhand won their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. He played a key role in the final with 81 off 38 balls. He also scored 234 against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy.

Kushagra carried that form into the Duleep Trophy, scoring 101 and 46 for East Zone in the final against South Zone. He then impressed for India A against Australia A in Puducherry, scoring 113 in the first innings and remaining unbeaten on 46 in the second of the first unofficial Test to earn the Player of the Match award.