Former India coach Ravi Shastri – now as soon as once more a reputed commentator – has posted an image on social media with a person whom he described because the “heartbeat of the Indian cricket group”. Nevertheless, the person with him is not a star cricketer like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, and even the coach Gautam Gambhir. The truth is, it’s a much less acquainted identify, within the type of Staff India’s underrated throwdown specialist, Raghuvendra Dwivedi – extra fondly acknowledged as ‘Raghu’ by gamers, coaches and followers of the group.
“At all times good to see the Man Friday and the heartbeat of the Indian Cricket group – Raghu,” Shastri posted on X, earlier than the beginning of India’s second Take a look at towards Bangladesh at Kanpur.
Raghavendra Dwivedi has been part of Staff India’s arrange since 2011, when he joined following on from a stint on the Nationwide Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
At all times good to see the Man Friday and the heartbeat of the Indian Cricket group – Raghu pic.twitter.com/DkT95qODhP
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) September 27, 2024
Shastri described Raghu as ‘Man Friday’, referring to the well-known character named ‘Friday’ from the guide ‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe. Right here, it refers to a devoted assistant.
Raghu has been an integral a part of Staff India’s backroom employees and coaching periods over 13 years. The truth is, Virat Kohli additionally singled him out for reward earlier than, in 2020.
“I consider the development this group has proven whereas enjoying quick bowling since 2013 has been due to Raghu,” Kohli had mentioned, whereas on a dwell session with former Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal.
“He has good ideas about footwork, bat motion of gamers. He has improved his abilities a lot that from sidearm he simply hurls the balls at 155 kmph,” Kohli had added.
India beat Bangladesh by a thumping 280 runs within the first Take a look at in Chennai, and can be aiming to finish a 2-0 sweep in Kanpur, in addition to additional strengthening their place on high of the World Take a look at Championship (WTC) cycle 2023-25 desk.
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