The IPL 2024 Auction continues to unfold surprises, serving as a launching pad for young talent to make their mark in T20 cricket. IPL teams are actively pursuing a mix of domestic and international talent to bolster their squads, and one standout name in this auction is 19-year-old Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra. Delhi Capitals secured his services for a staggering Rs 7.2 crore, marking a significant moment in his budding career.
Kushagra gained prominence last year when he smashed 266 runs in a Ranji Trophy match for Jharkhand, making him the youngest player ever to score a 250 in the tournament. With an impressive List A cricket career, Kushagra has accumulated 700 runs at an excellent average of 46.66. Earlier this year, during the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day tournament, he played a crucial role by smashing an unbeaten 67 off 37 balls at number 6, guiding Jharkhand to a successful chase of 355 against Maharashtra.
Throughout his campaigns in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kushagra drew attention from various IPL franchises across the country. In today's auction, the young talent, initially listed with a modest starting bid of Rs 20 lakh, sparked a fierce bidding war between CSK and GT. As the two teams battled it out and GT seemed to have the upper hand, Delhi Capitals stormed into the competition with fervor, leading to a heated bidding war for the 19-year-old batter and driving the price up.
