Ignored For India A, Jharkhand's Wicketkeeper-Batter Responds With 234 vs Baroda

After being overlooked for the two-match red-ball series against South Africa A, Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra responded in the best way possible - with a sensational double century in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26.

Batting at No. 3, the 21-year-old crafted a magnificent 234 off 367 deliveries against Baroda in the fourth round of the tournament, steering Jharkhand into a commanding position on Day 2. The right-hander’s knock featured 23 fours and four sixes, helping Jharkhand pile up 506 runs in their first innings.

Kushagra, who was part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) setup in the IPL 2025, made a remarkable turnaround after a quiet start to the Ranji season. He had managed scores of 11 and 2 in the opening two matches against Tamil Nadu and Vidarbha, where he batted at No. 6. Promoted to No. 5 against Nagaland, he found some rhythm with a brisk 58 off 60 balls, and has now converted that momentum into a massive innings.

With Ishan Kishan taking the wicketkeeping duties against Baroda, Kushagra was pushed up to No. 3, a move that paid off handsomely. The young batter grabbed the opportunity with both hands, registering his second first-class double century.

He shared crucial partnerships with Virat Singh, Kishan, Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, and Sahil Raj before finally being dismissed in the 136th over. His wicket triggered a brief collapse, as Jharkhand lost their last four wickets for seven runs.

Having made his India A debut in February 2024, Kushagra now boasts an impressive first-class record - 1,846 runs in 44 innings at an average of 42.93, including four centuries and five fifties.