Kumar Kushagra turned heads across Indian cricket when he was sold for ₹7.2 crore at the IPL 2024 auction — 36 times his base price — as a virtually unknown teenager from Jharkhand.
Now 21, he is building a steady financial portfolio and a promising cricket career that puts him firmly on India’s next-generation radar.
This article covers everything about Kumar Kushagra’s net worth, his IPL salary, career earnings, and the domestic performances that have made him one of the most talked-about young wicketkeeper-batters in India.
Kumar Kushagra’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kumar Kushagra |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 2004 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Bokaro, Jharkhand, India |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 65 kg (154 lbs) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Current IPL Team | Gujarat Titans |
| Home State | Jharkhand |
| Jersey Number | 3 |
| Net Worth | ₹10 Crore (approx. $1.2 million) |
| IPL Salary | ₹65 Lakh |
| Relationship Status | Single |
Early Life & Career
Kumar Kushagra was born on October 23, 2004, in Bokaro, Jharkhand — the same state that produced MS Dhoni and Ishan Kishan.
His father, Shashikant Kushagra, is a retired Commerce Assistant Commissioner who played the most important role in shaping his son’s cricket career.
Shashikant trained Kumar personally from a young age and pushed him toward the sport with consistent support. Kumar’s mother, Pushpa Devi, is a homemaker, and he also has two younger sisters, Sara and Kalash.
Kushagra attended Bokaro High School and began attracting serious attention in 2019 when he scored 535 runs in just seven matches at the Vinu Mankad Trophy, making him one of the highest run-scorers in that age-group tournament.
That breakout performance made selectors and coaches take note. He went on to represent India in the Under-19 World Cup setup, where he continued to build his reputation as a fearless wicketkeeper-batter with excellent hands behind the stumps and an aggressive bat in hand.
His List A debut came on February 20, 2021, against Madhya Pradesh, and his T20 debut followed on November 4, 2021, against Rajasthan.
His first-class debut arrived on February 24, 2022, against Delhi — and in his very first Ranji Trophy campaign, he scored an unbeaten century, announcing himself to the national cricketing audience.
Professional Career
Kushagra’s rise in domestic cricket has been both rapid and consistent. His big moments came during the 2023 white-ball season, where he scored 227 runs at an average of 56.75 and a strike rate of 109.13 in the Deodhar Trophy.
He followed that up with a stunning unbeaten 67 off 36 balls in a steep Vijay Hazare Trophy chase of 356 against Maharashtra — a knock that was livestreamed and watched by selectors and franchise scouts alike.
Those performances pushed the Delhi Capitals into a bidding war at the IPL 2024 auction, where they signed him for ₹7.2 crore — 36 times his ₹20 lakh base price, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
Though his IPL 2024 debut was modest — just 3 runs in 4 appearances — his domestic form kept climbing. The Gujarat Titans picked him up ahead of IPL 2025 for ₹65 lakh and retained him again for IPL 2026.
The 2025–26 season was arguably his best yet. Promoted to number three for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 422 runs in ten games, including a decisive 81 off 38 balls in the final against Haryana that helped Jharkhand win their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.
That historic win, combined with his first-class form — 572 runs in 8 Ranji Trophy matches in 2025 — cemented his status as one of India’s most promising young talents.
He received his maiden India A call-up in early 2024, confirming that national selectors are watching him closely.
Kumar Kushagra’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kumar Kushagra’s has an estimated net worth of ₹10 crore (approximately $1.2 million).
He built this wealth primarily through his IPL contracts — the ₹7.2 crore deal with Delhi Capitals being the single largest income event of his career to date.
Contract
Kumar Kushagra has played under two IPL franchises. The Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹7.2 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players in IPL auction history that year.
After Delhi Capitals released him, the Gujarat Titans acquired his services for ₹65 lakh ahead of IPL 2025 and retained that contract for IPL 2026.
His IPL 2026 salary of ₹65 lakh reflects his position as a developing squad asset rather than a marquee player — but with the form he showed in the 2025–26 domestic season, a significant contract upgrade could come at the next auction cycle.
Salary
Kushagra’s primary income source remains his IPL contracts.
For the domestic season, BCCI pays Jharkhand Ranji Trophy players through state cricket association contracts, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed.
His IPL earnings alone total approximately ₹8.5 crore across three seasons (₹7.2 crore in 2024, ₹65 lakh each in 2025 and 2026), as tracked on the official IPL website.
Career Earnings By Year
| Year | Team | IPL Contract Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Delhi Capitals | ₹7.20 Crore |
| 2025 | Gujarat Titans | ₹65 Lakh |
| 2026 | Gujarat Titans | ₹65 Lakh |
| Total IPL Earnings | ₹8.50 Crore |
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | NO | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Class | 33 | 52 | 1 | 2,113 | 266 | 41.43 | 59.57 | 5 | 5 |
| List A | 37 | 32 | 8 | 1,276 | 143 | 53.16 | 95.93 | 2 | 9 |
| Domestic T20 | 32 | 30 | 6 | 676 | 86 | 28.16 | 145.68 | 0 | 5 |
| IPL | 4 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1.00 | — | 0 | 0 |
FAQs
What is Kumar Kushagra’s net worth?
Kumar Kushagra’s estimated net worth is ₹10 crore (approximately $1.2 million), built primarily through his IPL contracts with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
How much did Delhi Capitals pay for Kumar Kushagra in the IPL 2024 auction?
Delhi Capitals bought him for ₹7.2 crore at the IPL 2024 auction — 36 times his base price of ₹20 lakh — making him one of the most expensive uncapped players that season.
What is Kumar Kushagra’s IPL salary?
Gujarat Titans retained him for IPL 2026 at a salary of ₹65 lakh, the same contract he held with the franchise in IPL 2025.
Which team does Kumar Kushagra play for in IPL 2026?
He plays for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, where he serves as a wicketkeeper-batter option under head coach Ashish Nehra.
What was Kumar Kushagra’s best domestic performance?
His best domestic campaign came in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 422 runs in ten games and hit a match-winning 81 off 38 balls in the final, helping Jharkhand claim their maiden SMAT title.
