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In the world of cricket, there are often unsung heroes whose contributions behind the scenes are as significant as those on the field. One such individual is Raghavendra, affectionately known as Raghu, whose remarkable journey with the Indian cricket team recently came into the limelight during the Asia Cup 2023.
Who is Raghu – the Asia Cup trophy holder?
During the post-match presentation ceremony, as the Indian team celebrated their well-deserved victory, something heartwarming unfolded. The captain, Rohit Sharma, extended a special invitation to Raghu, India’s throwdown specialist, to join in the trophy celebrations. It was a moment of pure admiration and respect for Raghu’s dedicated service to the team. In a gracious gesture, Rohit handed over the prestigious trophy to Raghu and offered him the center-stage, acknowledging his invaluable contribution.
Raghu’s journey with the Indian team has been nothing short of remarkable. He first joined the team as the throwdown specialist during India’s 2011-12 tour of Australia. However, his stint was short-lived, and he found himself out of the team setup. Undeterred, Raghu made a triumphant return to the Indian team’s support staff during the 2014 tour of England. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, playing a pivotal role in their preparations.
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His dream of being part of the Indian cricket team was realized thanks to the recommendations of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. These icons of the game had faced Raghu’s lightning-quick throwdowns at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore and were impressed by his skill and dedication. As a result, Raghu was inducted into the team as a ‘throwdown expert,’ a role he has excelled in ever since.
The Asia Cup 2023 final was not just a crowning moment for the Indian team but also a poignant one for Raghu, who found himself at the heart of the celebrations. India’s resounding victory over Sri Lanka, secured by a commanding performance that saw their opponents bundled out for just 50 runs and chased down in a mere 6.1 overs, showcased the team’s dominance in the tournament.
Rohit Sharma, the captain, couldn’t have been prouder of his team’s performance. He lauded their mental resilience, particularly in the final, and highlighted their exceptional bowling display. The seamers, in particular, drew special praise for their unwavering focus and hard work.
Mohammed Siraj, the young Indian pacer, received a special mention from Rohit for his incredible spell. Siraj’s ability to make the ball move both in the air and off the pitch left an indelible mark on the final. He claimed four wickets in just one over and went on to take two more, demonstrating his remarkable talent and potential.
As the Asia Cup 2023 concluded, it was not only a victory for the Indian cricket team but also a moment of recognition for Raghu, whose dedication and contributions continue to be an essential part of India’s cricketing success. In a sport where every individual matters, Raghu’s story serves as a reminder that even those behind the scenes can play a pivotal role in a team’s journey to glory.
Also, see:
Asia Cup 2023: Full list of award winners
