Kumar Kushagra: Meet the 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman who was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 7.2 cr in IPL 2024 auction

On Tuesday, the Indian Premier League auction for the 2024 IPL saw intense bidding for the uncapped Kumar Kushagra. The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman was eventually picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 7.20 crore.

While yet to make his international debut, Kushagra has been making a significant impact in the domestic circuit, notably with a stellar double century in the 2022 Ranji Trophy quarter-final—his maiden century in professional cricket.

The 2016 Vinoo Mankad Trophy was his first big foray into the competitive game. In 2019, he became the highest age-group run-getter at the same tournament amassing 535 runs in 7 matches and found a place in the Indian squad for the U-19 World Cup.


The 19-year-old batting sensation continued to showcase his prowess in the 2023 Deodhar Trophy, amassing an impressive 227 runs in five innings at a striking rate of 109.13.

What likely drew the attention of IPL team owners was his remarkable 37-ball 67 innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In a high-scoring encounter where Maharashtra posted 355 runs, Kushagra's quickfire 67, coupled with Virat Singh's 143, propelled Jharkhand to a thrilling victory.

As per Espncricinfo, Kushgra has so far played 11 T20s in which he has scored 140 at a strike rate of 117.64.