Jharkhand continues to produce dynamic cricketers in the footsteps of the legendary MS Dhoni. After Ishan Kishan, another talented wicketkeeper-batter from the state, Kumar Kushagra, is making his presence felt in Indian domestic cricket. Representing Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL, Kushagra delivered a match-defining performance in the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025.
Kushagra Leads from the Front With Gritty Century
On August 22 (Friday), at the IC Gurunanak Ground in Chennai, Jharkhand captain Kumar Kushagra won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision paid off, but not without a fight. As wickets tumbled regularly at the other end, the 20-year-old held his ground and played a responsible knock, anchoring the innings through crucial partnerships.
Kushagra added 72 runs for the fourth wicket with Kumar Suraj and followed it up with a 58-run stand alongside Robin Minz for the fifth. Even as the lower order struggled, he stitched another key 45-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tanish Choubey, helping Jharkhand push towards a competitive total.
A Knock of Character and Maturity
Kumar Kushagra’s innings of 103 off 131 balls came at a time when his team needed him the most. His century included five boundaries and four sixes, showcasing a balance of patience and aggression. He was eventually dismissed by Rohith Rayudu, but not before guiding Jharkhand to a respectable first-innings total of 283.
With this performance, Kushagra has further cemented his reputation as one of the rising stars in Indian cricket. As a wicketkeeper-batter and captain, his ability to perform under pressure is drawing comparisons with Dhoni — and he seems ready to carry that legacy forward.
