Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra believes adaptability will define his next phase in T20 cricket, with his confidence rising after an IPL debut earlier in the season versus Rajasthan Royals. Sitting in fifth place after four matches, the batter—who has appeared in only one game so far—says he is prepared to slot into whatever batting position the team needs ahead of the next fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at Ahmedabad.
Key takeaways
- Kumar Kushagra made his IPL debut earlier in the season against Rajasthan Royals and is now looking to maximise his opportunities.
- Gujarat Titans are placed fifth after four matches, with Kushagra featuring in one game to date.
- He credits Vikram Rathour’s guidance for helping him develop the flexibility to bat in multiple spots in the order.
- Kushagra believes he can add more impact if he is given a role higher up the batting lineup.
- He points to his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy success with Jharkhand, where the team won the title alongside skipper Ishan Kishan.
- He highlights mental readiness, plus support from his parents, as key to sustaining performance through a long tournament.
Adaptability and the work behind batting flexibility
Kushagra said the coaching environment has helped him build the mindset required to bat anywhere in T20 cricket. He stressed that the transition between roles is constant in the format—whether it is being asked to play at No. 3 in one match and then move to a different position in the next—so a player has to stay versatile. In his view, preparation with the team’s support staff has been central to that adaptability.
He specifically spoke about the role of Vikram Rathour, explaining that Rathour was deeply involved even when Kushagra was not playing, during training sessions in the Gujarat Titans camp. Kushagra said Rathour repeatedly worked with him on becoming a white-ball specialist who can handle batting responsibilities across the order.
“You can bat anywhere,” Kushagra said, adding that a T20 batter must carry a mindset that allows him to accept different assignments, regardless of the spot in the lineup. He also noted that as a wicketkeeper, batting at different numbers comes with the territory, which makes versatility even more important.
Ready for any role, aiming to contribute in the top order
While Kushagra remains open to taking on varying responsibilities, he believes his best value comes when he is allowed to bat up the order. He stated that being promoted earlier in the innings would give him more chances to influence proceedings, though he understands team requirements can differ depending on the match situation.
He also underlined that he is prepared for all the roles he has been playing in over the last couple of years, but feels that any opportunity from Gujarat Titans is likely to come with a top-order batting assignment.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy confidence from Jharkhand’s title run
Kushagra enters this IPL stretch after a successful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with Jharkhand. He said he played an important part in the team’s title-winning journey alongside captain Ishan Kishan, with the pair sharing a consistent approach throughout the tournament.
Speaking about what powered Jharkhand’s success, Kushagra pointed to a shift in mindset. He said batting technique did not change fundamentally, but the team adopted a different mental framework—staying focused on their process, assessing what was required at each stage, and committing to fearless cricket.
He described the change as an intentional decision to rely on their own strengths rather than trying to match someone else’s game plan. When the moment demanded a specific shot or a particular attacking option, he said the team went for it, reflecting a broader confidence across the group.
Partnership thinking with Ishan Kishan
Kushagra also discussed the chemistry of his partnerships with Ishan Kishan. He said both batters used a similar plan for moving the innings forward, especially during their tournament where Ishan captained and Kushagra operated as vice-captain.
In Kushagra’s telling, their shared approach meant that once a decision to attack a bowler was made, they worked to see it through rather than easing off midway. He said the partnership was built on pressure and continuity, and that in many matches their batting rhythm looked like Ishan was driving the attack while Kushagra complemented it in the same style.
He added that the right-left combination made it harder for bowlers to settle, and that their understanding felt highly structured—“very set,” in his words.
Learning from Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly at Delhi Capitals
During his time with Delhi Capitals, Kushagra said he gained valuable lessons from Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly. He described Ponting as someone who is extremely direct and uncompromising in his cricket mindset, while highlighting that Ganguly balanced aggressiveness with calm reasoning.
According to Kushagra, Ponting taught him that when you decide to go after a bowler, you must commit fully rather than holding back halfway. He said Ganguly, in contrast, offered a thoughtful and composed perspective—encouraging players to consider what is happening in the moment. Kushagra said learning from the combination of both coaches helped him understand how to blend aggression with awareness.
Observing senior players in the GT environment
Kushagra also spoke about learning through observation within the Gujarat Titans setup. He referred to conversations with senior players, noting that things were going well last year, but added that the team will have to see how the next phase develops.
Family support and staying mentally ready
Kushagra credited his family for playing a major role in his journey. He said his father is involved as a coach when he is home, and that he trains with him in the mornings and evenings. He explained that practicing with his dad shapes not just technique but also mindset, particularly the ability to keep a positive outlook for the long haul.
He added that his mother also works on his diet, describing the overall family contribution as crucial. In his view, sustained encouragement and structured support from home can be as important as training sessions away from home.
Finally, Kushagra stressed that mental preparation will be vital as the tournament stretches on. He said opportunities in T20 cricket can come at unexpected times, so the focus must remain on being ready and making each chance count when it arrives.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release.)
