In a surprising turn of events at the IPL auction, uncapped Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra found himself snagged by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 7.20 crore. While the price tag sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the backstory behind his acquisition, revealed by his father Shashikant, adds a heartwarming twist to the tale.
According to Shashikant, it was none other than Sourav Ganguly, the legendary cricketer and BCCI president, who played a pivotal role in this fairytale. Following Kushagra’s impressive performance at the trials in Eden Gardens, Ganguly is said to have assured him that Delhi Capitals would not only pick him but also bid for him until INR 10 crore.
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Sourav Ganguly was particularly impressed by Kushagra’s power-hitting abilities, fielding finesse, and even compared his wicket-keeping skills to those of the maestro himself, MS Dhoni. This strong endorsement instilled newfound confidence in the young lad, who admitted having initially expected to go for his base price of INR 20 lakh.
“He was confident because Ganguly had promised him, but I thought he must have said this to encourage him,” remarked Shashikant, highlighting the humility and groundedness embedded within Kushagra’s family.
This dream scenario for Kushagra, however, has its roots in a journey marked by dedication and passion. With no prior cricketing experience himself, Shashikant transformed into his son’s coach, fueled by a relentless dedication to his son’s aspirations. Reading Bob Woolmer’s “Art and Science of Cricket” multiple times, Shashikant equipped himself with the knowledge and skills to guide Kushagra’s early steps in the world of cricket.
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This remarkable story of unwavering support, coupled with Ganguly’s faith in Kushagra’s talent, has culminated in a life-changing opportunity for the young cricketer. As he prepares to rub shoulders with cricketing icons at Delhi Capitals, the echoes of Ganguly’s promise and his father’s unwavering support will undoubtedly add an extra layer of motivation to his game.
