Ashwin Backs 21-Year-Old Kumar Kushagra for GT's No. 4 Spot, Not Sundar

Washington Sundar is expected to bat at No. 4 for GT (Picture credit: AFP)

News18•25-03-2026, 09:47

Ashwin Backs 21-Year-Old Kumar Kushagra for GT's No. 4 Spot, Not Sundar

•Ravichandran Ashwin predicts 21-year-old Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra is a perfect fit for Gujarat Titans at No. 4 in IPL 2026.
•Kushagra had an underwhelming IPL 2024 season with Delhi Capitals but showed strong form in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 572 runs at an average of 47.66.
•Ashwin suggests Glenn Phillips as an alternative, potentially playing at No. 4 with Kushagra at No. 3, possibly ahead of Jos Buttler due to his recent form.
•Ashwin named a probable GT playing XI including Kushagra and Mohammed Siraj, whom he expects to be the top wicket-taker for GT.
•He highlighted GT's main problems as their unproven middle order and well-proven top order.

Key Questions Answered

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Kumar Kushagra for the Gujarat Titans' No. 4 spot due to his potential fit and T20 strike rate. Ashwin also suggested that Kushagra could bat at No.

Kumar Kushagra scored 572 runs in eight Ranji Trophy matches. He averaged 47.66, with two centuries and one half-century.

Ravichandran Ashwin predicts Mohammed Siraj will take the most wickets for Gujarat Titans this year. Ashwin believes Siraj is well-rested and ready for IPL 2026.