Cricket

India's Unsung Hero: Raghavendra Dwivedi, the Throwdown Specialist Behind the Team's SuccessIndia's recent 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh was not just a victory for the players on the field but also a testament to the invaluable contributions of Raghavendra Dwivedi, the team's throwdown specialist. Known affectionately as "Raghu Bhaiya," Dwivedi's role in honing the skills of India's batters against high-speed bowling has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.Dwivedi's journey to this pivotal role was not without its challenges. Born in Kumta, Karnataka, he faced opposition from his father, a school teacher, who discouraged his cricketing aspirations. Undeterred, Dwivedi pursued his passion, enduring hardships and sleeping in unconventional places during trials for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).His determination paid off when his performances earned him accommodation and support from the KSCA. However, an injury shattered his dreams of becoming a professional cricketer, leading him to pursue coaching. By 2008, he was working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and three years later, he became a throwdown specialist for the national team.Dwivedi's ability to deliver throwdowns at blistering speeds has earned him the respect of some of India's greatest cricketers, including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni has even dubbed him an "overseas pace specialist," highlighting the importance of his skills in preparing the team to face the world's fastest bowlers.Dwivedi's contributions extend beyond the technical aspects of batting. He is known for his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for the team. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has praised him as the "heartbeat of the Indian Cricket team," recognizing his ability to motivate and inspire the players.The gesture of handing Dwivedi the series trophy after India's victory over Bangladesh was a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts behind the scenes. It is a testament to the importance of unsung heroes in the world of sports, whose contributions often go unnoticed but are essential to the success of the team.

Ashton Agar, the Australian left-arm spinner, is ready to venture beyond the confines of international cricket and explore the lucrative world of franchise cricket. With a decade-long career in the Australian setup, Agar believes it's time to seek new challenges and opportunities.Agar, 30, is currently part of Australia's T20 World Cup squad but has only played three international matches across all formats in the past 1.5 years. He has realized that relying solely on national contracts can hinder his growth as a cricketer."I've made that mistake before and your cricket skills fall away, if you're clinging on to safety and security," Agar said in an interview with cricket.com.au.Agar's decision to explore franchise cricket follows the trend set by his Australian counterparts, such as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Glen Maxwell, and Pat Cummins, who have become household names in leagues worldwide."I think a lot of people are going to do what I've just done in the coming years. We'll see it a lot more next year, more the year after -- and that's just going to be the way cricket works," Agar said.Agar, who has played in the T20 World Cup warm-up game against Namibia, hopes to be a part of the playing XI in the tournament and bowl alongside his close friend Adam Zampa."It had been really positive (messaging from national selectors) the whole time that if we were going to take two spinners I was going to go," Agar said.Agar's decision to seek opportunities outside of the Australian cricket establishment is a reflection of the changing landscape of the sport. With the proliferation of T20 leagues around the world, players are increasingly looking to maximize their earning potential and gain experience in different conditions.