<p>There’s a quiet clarity in how Kumar Kushagra views the game. No buzzwords, no overcomplication, just a sharp understanding of situations, roles, and responsibility. In a conversation that feels as much about mindset as it is about skill, the young wicketkeeper-batter lays bare the thought process shaping his rise. At the heart of his approach lies adaptability. Pressure, for Kushagra, isn’t about choosing between keeping or batting, it’s about reading the moment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“If I am keeping, I will think from behind… if I am not batting, I will be sitting outside and then thinking about it.” That situational awareness carries into his batting. Labels like ‘aggressive’ or ‘calm’ don’t resonate with him. “There is nothing like aggressive or being calm. It's all about how the situation is asking or the team is asking from you.” It’s a philosophy rooted in modern T20 cricket, fluid roles, quick recalibration, and constant awareness. Whether it’s maximizing the powerplay or absorbing pressure after wickets, Kushagra’s decision-making is dictated by context, not instinct alone.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-traitor-to-hero-iran-release-assets-of-women-captain-zahra-ghanbari-amid-australian-asylum-row-1776092667633"><strong>From ‘Traitor’ to Hero? Iran release assets of women’s captain Zahra Ghanbari amid Australian asylum row</strong></a></p>

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<p>Behind the stumps, his growth has been shaped by elite exposure. Working under Parthiv Patel and keeping to someone like Rashid Khan proved transformational. “Keeping Rashid Khan in that speed… that helped me a lot and Parthiv sir also gave me a lot of drills.” But beyond technique, it’s the mental game that stands out. Kushagra believes consistency is tougher than bouncing back. “When there are expectations… that’s a very tricky part. You have to maintain that consistency.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And underpinning it all is a simple, powerful driving force, family. “Definitely my dad… he had that aim that first you have to play for the Indian team.” Looking ahead, Kushagra, a JSW athlete, doesn’t want to be boxed into a single role. “Flexible middle order batter would be a great answer… I can play anchor role also… I can finish the game.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In fact, finishing games is what he feels is most overlooked about him. “I have that capability… to finish off the game from any situation," he signed off.</p>

Kumar Kushagra interview: Rising IPL wicketkeeper-batter reveals his mindset on pressure, finishing games, adaptability, and journey toward Team India

There’s a quiet clarity in how Kumar Kushagra views the game. No buzzwords, no overcomplication, just a sharp understanding of situations, roles, and responsibility. In a conversation that feels as much about mindset as it is about skill, the young wicketkeeper-batter lays bare the thought process shaping his rise. At the heart of his approach lies adaptability. Pressure, for Kushagra, isn’t about choosing between keeping or batting, it’s about reading the moment. “If I am keeping, I will think from behind… if I am not batting, I will be sitting outside and then thinking about it.” That situational awareness carries into his batting. Labels like ‘aggressive’ or ‘calm’ don’t resonate with him. “There is nothing like aggressive or being calm. It's all about how the situation is asking or the team is asking from you.” It’s a philosophy rooted in modern T20 cricket, fluid roles, quick recalibration, and constant awareness. Whether it’s maximizing the powerplay or absorbing pressure after wickets, Kushagra’s decision-making is dictated by context, not instinct alone. Also Read: From ‘Traitor’ to Hero? Iran release assets of women’s captain Zahra Ghanbari amid Australian asylum row

<p>21-year-old Kumar Kushagra opens up on reading match situations, finishing games, and why adaptability, not aggression, is his biggest strength</p>

IPL 2026: ‘I can anchor, attack and finish, whatever the team needs', says 21-year-old Kumar Kushagra

<p>Yashasvi Jaiswal and Divyaansh Saxena guided India to a comfortable ten wickets win over Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup semifinal at Senwes Park on Tuesday and progressed to the final of the tournament.</p>

<p>Chasing 173, Indian openers Jaiswal and Saxena played cautiously and stitched an unbeaten partnership of 176 runs.</p>

<p>The duo built the highest opening partnership of the tournament's history. Jaiswal, the left-handed batsman, scored his maiden century of the tournament as he amassed unbeaten 105 runs studded with eight fours and four sixes.</p>

<p>Saxena scored 59* off 99 balls including six fours. India chased down the total in 35.2 overs. This is the first time in the history of the U19 World Cup that a team won a knockout match by ten wickets.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Haider Ali and skipper Rohail Nazir's half-centuries guided the side to a respectable total of 172. Ali played a knock of 56 runs while Nazir accumulated 62 runs including six boundaries.</p>

<p>Pakistan did not have a good start as they lost Mohammad Hurair (4) in the second over. Fahad Munir, came to bat at number three, failed to score a single run and was departed by Ravi Bishnoi on a duck in ninth over.</p>

<p>Apart from Ali and Nazir, Mohammad Haris was the only batsman to score runs in double digits. He played an innings of 21 runs off 15 balls. Indian bowlers showed a spirited performance as they bowled out arch-rival in 43.1 overs.</p>

<p>Pacers Karthik Tyagi and Sushant Mishra bagged two and three wickets respectively. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi clinched two scalps and conceded 46 runs in his ten overs.</p>


Yashasvi Jaiswal and Divyaansh Saxena guided India to a comfortable ten wickets win over Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup semifinal at Senwes Park on Tuesday and progressed to the final of the tournament.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Divyaansh Saxena guided India to a comfortable ten wickets win over Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup semifinal at Senwes Park on Tuesday and progressed to the final of the tournament. Chasing 173, Indian openers Jaiswal and Saxena played cautiously and stitched an unbeaten partnership of 176 runs. The duo built the highest opening partnership of the tournament's history. Jaiswal, the left-handed batsman, scored his maiden century of the tournament as he amassed unbeaten 105 runs studded with eight fours and four sixes. Saxena scored 59* off 99 balls including six fours. India chased down the total in 35.2 overs. This is the first time in the history of the U19 World Cup that a team won a knockout match by ten wickets. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Haider Ali and skipper Rohail Nazir's half-centuries guided the side to a respectable total of 172. Ali played a knock of 56 runs while Nazir accumulated 62 runs including six boundaries. Pakistan did not have a good start as they lost Mohammad Hurair (4) in the second over. Fahad Munir, came to bat at number three, failed to score a single run and was departed by Ravi Bishnoi on a duck in ninth over. Apart from Ali and Nazir, Mohammad Haris was the only batsman to score runs in double digits. He played an innings of 21 runs off 15 balls. Indian bowlers showed a spirited performance as they bowled out arch-rival in 43.1 overs. Pacers Karthik Tyagi and Sushant Mishra bagged two and three wickets respectively. Spinner Ravi Bishnoi clinched two scalps and conceded 46 runs in his ten overs.

India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup 2020, semi final: Jaiswal, Saxena guide India to 10-wicket win over Pakistan in U19 World Cup semifinal

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IPL 2026: ‘I can anchor, attack and finish, whatever the team needs', says 21-year-old Kumar Kushagra

India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup 2020, semi final: Jaiswal, Saxena guide India to 10-wicket win over Pakistan in U19 World Cup semifinal