India, Oct. 15 -- There is something instructive about the career of Kumar Kushagra whose early life seemed to unfold at an accelerated pace. He was barely 17 when he scored a double century for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy, a teenager when selected for the under-19 World Cup, and only 19 when Delhi Capitals paid Rs.7.2 crore for him at the IPL auction.

By the usual measures of cricket's talent economy, he had arrived early. Yet the most significant phase of his development may be happening now, at 21, as he learns to make a virtue of patience.

His latest reward is a place in the India A squad for the tour of New Zealand, where he replaces the injured Rishabh Pant. It's a massive step in a career that hasn't followed the trajectory his...