Gujarat Titans to Field Kumar Kushagra in IPL Clash with Royals
Gujarat Titans assistant coach Aashish Kapoor said on April 3 that Kumar Kushagra is in contention for the playing XI. The comment came before the Titans faced Rajasthan Royals at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Titans seek a rebound after an opening loss to Punjab Kings.
Selection option and team balance
Kapoor suggested Kushagra could replace a top-three batter if problems arise. He highlighted Kushagra’s suitability as an opener or one-down. Kapoor questioned whether Kushagra would fit at number six, a role requiring power hitting late in innings.
The Titans’ current middle order includes Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, and Glenn Phillips. All three have struggled for form early in the season. That situation increases the likelihood the Gujarat Titans could field Kumar Kushagra in the IPL clash with Royals if needed.
Kushagra’s domestic record
Kushagra played a key role in Jharkhand’s first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. He scored 422 runs in 10 innings that season. His average was 60.28 with a strike rate of 161.68. He registered four half-centuries and a top score of 86 not out.
In the following Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kushagra made 368 runs in six innings. His average rose to 73.60 with a strike rate of 102.50. That campaign produced two centuries and one fifty.
He also starred in the Ranji Trophy. Kushagra accumulated 572 runs in 12 innings. His average there was 59.71. The tally included two centuries, one of them a double hundred, plus a fifty.
Rajasthan pace threat and match context
Rajasthan Royals will open with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their seam attack looks potent and aggressive. The match presents a tough test for the Titans’ batting unit.
On Ashok Sharma
Kapoor praised Rajasthan’s young pacer Ashok Sharma as a “terrific talent.” Sharma took 22 wickets in 10 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. His average was 15.63 and he recorded two four-wicket hauls.
Kapoor noted Sharma showed no fear against stronger opposition. He acknowledged Sharma will learn from being hit in T20 cricket. The coach singled out the bowler’s pace and potential, calling him a player with a bright future.
This report was prepared for Filmogaz.com.
