Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has once again captured the attention of cricket fans, this time with a heartwarming post on X (formerly Twitter). On September 27, 2024, Shastri shared a picture of himself alongside India’s renowned throwdown specialist, Raghuvendra Diwedi, affectionately known as “Raghu Bhaiya” within the cricketing fraternity. The post, which quickly went viral, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption where Shastri called Raghu the “heartbeat of the Indian Cricket team.”
Shastri’s words underscored Raghu’s immense contribution to Indian cricket, though he mostly operates behind the scenes. “Always good to see the Man Friday and the heartbeat of the Indian Cricket team – Raghu,” Shastri wrote in his post, celebrating the man whose role has been vital to India’s preparations for over a decade.
Raghu: The Unsung Hero of Indian Cricket
Raghu, who joined the Indian men’s cricket team as a training assistant in 2011, has built a reputation for his ability to deliver throwdowns at blistering speeds, often mimicking the pace and bounce of the fastest bowlers in world cricket. His throwdowns, delivered from a specially designed slingshot, have helped Indian batters fine-tune their skills against extreme pace.
Praised by some of India’s biggest cricketing names, including Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, Raghu’s contributions extend beyond the nets. Virat Kohli has often spoken about Raghu’s consistency and how his practice sessions have significantly improved his ability to face fast bowlers in matches. Kohli once said, “Raghu has been one of the biggest assets for our team. He never gets tired, and his throwdowns have helped me immensely.”
Similarly, MS Dhoni referred to Raghu as the “overseas pace specialist,” highlighting his role in preparing Indian batters for the challenge of facing fast bowlers from around the world.
Shastri’s Appreciation Touches a Chord
Ravi Shastri, who was at the helm as India’s head coach from 2017 to 2021, saw firsthand the dedication and effort Raghu put into his work. Shastri’s gesture of publicly acknowledging Raghu’s contribution touched fans and players alike. The post quickly gained momentum, with cricket fans flooding the comments section, praising Raghu’s work and appreciating Shastri for shining a light on this unsung hero.
While many of India’s coaches, players, and staff are often in the spotlight, specialists like Raghu rarely get public recognition, despite their crucial roles in the team’s success. Shastri’s post has sparked widespread appreciation for Raghu, who continues to be a key figure behind India’s preparations for every major series and tournament.
Kanpur Test: A Historic Decision by Rohit Sharma
As Shastri’s post gained traction on social media, Team India was busy on the field in Kanpur for the second Test of the series against Bangladesh. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made a historic decision by opting to field first after winning the toss, making him only the second Indian captain in 60 years to take such a decision at the Green Park Stadium. The last time this happened was in 1964 when MAK Pataudi invited England to bat first on the same ground.
Rohit’s decision paid dividends early in the match, with Indian pacer Akash Deep making an immediate impact. The Bengal fast bowler dismissed Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan for a duck and later trapped Shadman Islam LBW, helping India get off to a strong start. Akash Deep’s impressive spell justified his selection, as India decided to field the same team that secured a dominant 280-run victory in the first Test in Chennai.
Despite being expected to make changes, including the possible inclusion of local hero Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian team management stuck to their winning combination, a move that seemed to pay off as the Test began.
Raghu’s Role in India’s Test Preparation
In the lead-up to the ongoing series against Bangladesh, Raghu played a vital role in helping Indian batters prepare for the likes of Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, two fast bowlers known for their pace and accuracy. His throwdowns, aimed at replicating high-speed deliveries, allowed Indian batters to adjust their techniques and prepare for the fast bowling threats posed by Bangladesh.
As India continues its push for another series win, specialists like Raghu remain at the core of the team’s success. His tireless work behind the scenes may often go unnoticed, but his contributions are now being celebrated, thanks to Shastri’s timely post.
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The Road Ahead for Team India
With the Kanpur Test underway, all eyes are on the Indian team as they look to continue their dominance in red-ball cricket. The recognition of individuals like Raghu only adds to the narrative of how India’s success is built on a collective effort that extends far beyond the players on the field.
As India gears up for future challenges, including high-profile series against top-ranked teams and the upcoming World Test Championship cycle, the unsung heroes of Indian cricket, like Raghu Bhaiya, will continue to play their part, ensuring that the team is always prepared for whatever comes their way.
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