‘It’s my dream to represent India in all three formats’ – Kumar Kushagra discusses about his future plans and meeting with MS Dhoni

The nation’s capital has been hit by a bone-chilling cold wave, yet youthful talent Kumar Kushagra seemed unfazed by the bitter weather. Only one day after being called up to the India A team, the 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, made headlines. During the current Ranji Trophy 2024 season at the Palam Air Force Ground, he scored a scorching century against Services that demonstrated his persistence and talent.

Kushagra scored a staggering 132 keeping Jharkhand in a strong position

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At 65 for 4, Jharkhand was in a terrible position when Kushagra joined his skipper, Virat Singh, at the crease. With Singh making a creditable 108, the pair’s remarkable 171-run stand for the fifth wicket swung the match in Jharkhand’s advantage. With 14 boundaries and an explosive knock of 132, Kushagra guided Jharkhand to a total of 316.

After the play of the day, Kushagra considered his strategy in the face of tough circumstances in the chilly environs of Delhi, where seaming weather and strong winds added to the difficulties, he mentioned.

“Playing in Delhi in the cold is tricky. Seaming conditions and the impact of the wind and we were four down. So, my aim was to stay out there and get runs on the board. Even I had the same conversation with Virat [Singh] Bhaiyya that we can have a partnership, we can take the team to a comfortable position. So, that was the basic idea. Runs kept coming in and eventually, we reached the milestones.”

Kushagra’s century arrived just a day after he was included in the India A team for the forthcoming matches against the England Lions. The teenage cricket player views this call-up as a fantastic chance to fulfill his ambition of playing for his nation.

“Getting picked for India A is a good opportunity for me. I’ve been playing the red-ball format for some days now. Yes, I got an IPL contract but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t focus on the longer format. So, it is a huge opportunity and if I can utilize it properly, it will only help me fulfill my dream of playing for the country,” he added.

“Becoming an all-format player, especially in India, is not that easy. Some players are specialists in a specific format, but it takes extra effort to become an all-format player. But for me, it’s my dream to represent India in all three formats,” he said.

“Be it spinners or the fast bowlers, keeping on India tracks is never easy. And if you are dreaming big then obviously, it needs hard work. So, I keep learning new things and applying them in my practice. I keep speaking to different keepers. I met Wriddhi da at Kolkata airport where I asked him what improvements I can make. In fact, I met Ravindra Jadeja at the NCA and spoke to him about how to tackle spinner from behind the wickets,” Kushagra added.

“The pressure will be there but that doesn’t affect my personal goal”- says Kushagra

After winning an incredible INR 7.2 crore contract with the Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction, Kushagra is both eager and a little anxious to join a group that includes legends of the game like David Warner and Rishabh Pant. Although he is aware of the strain, he is not losing sight of his ultimate objective—playing for Team India.

“The pressure will be there but that doesn’t affect my personal goal, which playing for India someday. The 7-crore price tag has changed people’s perception towards me, and expectations are high. But the IPL is just the first step towards my dream of playing for Team India,” he added.

“I started keeping after watching him only. The fact that he comes from a small city and has influenced players across the world is very inspirational,” Kushagra concluded.