Good for Jharkhand that the bench is being tested: coach Ratan

Kumar Kushagra. File. | Photo Credit: R. Ragu From M.S. Dhoni’s solo reign as the region’s cricketing hero to an influx of youngsters from the State striving to prosper at the international level, Jharkhand has come a long way in the last two decades.The proliferation of talent is exemplified by Ishan Kishan’s recent performances for India, and the growing opportunities for the likes of Anukul Roy, Kumar Kushagra and Shikhar Mohan in the India-A fold.Kushagra was so impressive in recent weeks that he has been added to India’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand after Kishan picked up a groin injury. Shikhar is also on the rise, illustrated by the left-handed opener’s call-up to the India-A squad for the preparatory four-day games in New Zealand. It poses a dilemma to Jharkhand coach Ratan Kumar.While he is chuffed for Kushagra and Shikhar, having worked with them since their u-16 days, he is left with a depleted outfit now. In the long term, he says his team stands to benefit.“We are missing a lot of players. The bench is being tested. This is good for Jharkhand cricket,” Ratan told The Hindu on Sunday (October 25, 2026).“It feels good that our boys are getting a chance for India and India-A. The other side to this is that we will not have them in our team. But we will have to get used to it. Mumbai and Karnataka always miss a few players, but their teams still do well. If you want five of your players to play for India or India-A, you will need five others who will fill the void. We have to start making this a habit.” Published - October 25, 2026 10:23 pm IST