📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Subhrajyoti07
Sports
Jharkhand keeper Kumar Kushagra selected over Sanju Samson for New Zealand ODIs
✍️ Cricket Addictor
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 02:33 AM
👁 11
Kumar Kushagra, the Jharkhand wicketkeeper, has been named in India's squad for the upcoming One Day Internationals in New Zealand, replacing Sanju Samson.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its final squad for the three-match One Day International series against New Zealand, naming Jharkhand's wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra as the reserve keeper. Kushagra's inclusion comes at the expense of established middle‑order batsman Sanju Samson, who was omitted from the playing XI.
Kushagra has impressed selectors with consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where his keeping skills and lower‑order batting have drawn attention. His selection marks a significant step in his career, giving him exposure to the international arena.
The decision reflects BCCI's focus on building depth in the wicketkeeping department ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycle. Kushagra will travel with the squad to New Zealand, where he will train alongside senior keepers and may feature if injuries or form issues arise.
The New Zealand tour is scheduled to begin in early December, and the Indian team will look to fine‑tune its combinations before the year‑end tournaments.
Kushagra has impressed selectors with consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where his keeping skills and lower‑order batting have drawn attention. His selection marks a significant step in his career, giving him exposure to the international arena.
The decision reflects BCCI's focus on building depth in the wicketkeeping department ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycle. Kushagra will travel with the squad to New Zealand, where he will train alongside senior keepers and may feature if injuries or form issues arise.
The New Zealand tour is scheduled to begin in early December, and the Indian team will look to fine‑tune its combinations before the year‑end tournaments.