dailyloe.com – Gujarat Titans assistant coach Aashish Kapoor clarified the team’s plans for young batter Kumar Kushagra ahead of their IPL match against Rajasthan Royals. He stated Kushagra would only be drafted into the playing eleven if a spot in the top three batting positions became available. This announcement came during a pre-match press conference in Ahmedabad on April 3.
Kapoor explained that Kushagra’s domestic success came as an opener or number three batter. He questioned the utility of playing the young star in the number six position. That role requires hitting big shots from the start of an innings.
The coach highlighted the current middle-order’s struggle for runs and form. He specifically mentioned players like Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, and Glenn Phillips. This context explains the team’s cautious approach to integrating Kushagra.
Kushagra was instrumental in Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win last year. He scored 422 runs in 10 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 161.68. His performance included four half-centuries and a top score of 86 not out.
He followed that with another strong domestic T20 tournament. Kushagra scored 368 runs in just six innings during the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He maintained an impressive average of 73.60 during that campaign.
The Titans are looking to bounce back from an opening loss to Punjab Kings. They face a strong Rajasthan Royals side at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Royals feature an aggressive opening pair and a solid pace attack.
Kapoor’s comments suggest a clear but limited pathway for Kushagra’s inclusion. The team’s strategy prioritizes stability in their top-order batting lineup. Kushagra must wait for an opportunity that matches his specific skillset.[]
Source: ANI News
