Kumar Kushagra Smashes Back-to-Back Hundreds, Hits 7th First-Class Century

Kumar Kushagra Smashes Back-to-Back Hundreds, Hits 7th First-Class Century

Kumar Kushagra is in the kind of form that makes selectors sit up and take notice. The young wicketkeeper-batter has posted consecutive first-class hundreds, marking his seventh ton at this level and underlining his growing reputation as one of India’s most promising red-ball talents.

From Duleep Trophy Heroics to India A Spotlight

Kushagra’s latest run of big scores began in the Duleep Trophy final, where he played a key role in East Zone’s title win. He finished unbeaten on 101 off 132 balls against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, hitting eight fours and five sixes.

That knock was his sixth first-class century and came after he had already made an unbeaten 63 on Day 1, helping East Zone reach 385/4 at stumps. It was a composed, match-shaping innings on a big domestic stage, and it put him firmly in the conversation among India’s next-wave wicketkeeper-batters.

Seventh First-Class Century Comes in India A vs Australia A Test

Kushagra didn’t stop there. On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, he reached his seventh first-class hundred on Day 2 of the inaugural first unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Puducherry.

He had to retire hurt on 82 on the opening day but returned to complete the century, marking his second ton in as many games. The back-to-back hundreds — first in the Duleep Trophy final, now in an India A fixture — show a batter who is not just scoring runs, but doing so in high-pressure, high-visibility matches.

Why These Centuries Matter for Kushagra’s Career

For a player who made his first-class debut in 2022 at the age of 18, this phase feels like a breakthrough. He has already crossed 2,000 red-ball runs and now has seven centuries to his name in the format.

These knocks also add weight to his case for higher honours. With established names in the national wicketkeeping pool, consistent performances in domestic and India A cricket are the clearest route in — and Kushagra is delivering exactly that at the moment.

What’s Next for the Jharkhand Star?

The India A vs Australia A series is a direct feeder into national selection thinking. Strong showings here, especially in multi-day cricket, tend to get noticed quickly.

If Kushagra maintains this touch through the series, talks of a broader India squad role will only grow louder. For now, though, he can enjoy the moment: two big hundreds, two big games, and a first-class tally that keeps climbing.

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