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.

Joginder Sharma, the unsung hero of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, recently reunited with the legendary former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.In that unforgettable match, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with the daunting task of bowling the final over against a formidable Misbah-ul-Haq. The decision raised eyebrows, considering the high stakes and immense pressure. Pakistan required a mere 13 runs to secure victory with one wicket remaining.Despite the intense scrutiny, Joginder displayed remarkable composure and precision. The over commenced with a wide, heightening the tension. However, he quickly regained his composure with a dot ball. Misbah then launched a six off the second delivery, reducing the equation to six runs off four balls.Undeterred, Joginder remained focused. Misbah attempted a risky scoop shot over fine leg on the next delivery, but Sreesanth safely collected the ball. This dismissal sparked jubilant celebrations as India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup by a narrow margin of five runs.Joginder's calm demeanor and precise execution under immense pressure transformed him into an overnight hero. "I thought I should give the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket. Jogi did a really good job," Dhoni remarked after the match."It's one of the things I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'd like to congratulate the boys and thank them for the response they have given me. No one expected us to win, and the way we played, we deserve a big celebration," the former India skipper added.Dhoni's astute leadership extended beyond the 2007 triumph. He guided India to two more ICC titles: the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Additionally, India claimed the Test mace under his captaincy.Joginder's reunion with Dhoni serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and resilience that characterized India's historic T20 World Cup victory. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of that unforgettable moment and the enduring bond between two cricket legends.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumph in the 2024 IPL Final has brought accolades to the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Shah Rukh Khan, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. However, amidst the fanfare, one unsung hero has emerged: assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.Nayar's role in KKR's success was acknowledged by players Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer during an interview with Harsha Bhogle. Chakravarthy hailed Nayar as "the main guy behind" the team's Indian core, which has been instrumental in their victory.This Indian core has been a force to reckon with. Chakravarthy claimed 21 wickets, while Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora contributed 19 and 11 wickets, respectively. Venkatesh Iyer amassed 370 runs, and teenage sensation Angkrish Raghuvanshi made a memorable debut with a half-century. Ramandeep Singh also impressed with his contributions lower down the order.Iyer, who played a crucial role in the IPL Final with a 26-ball 52, echoed Chakravarthy's sentiments. "Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the world," he said. "Some of his contributions go unnoticed, I want to make sure it doesn't."Nayar's influence extends beyond the assistant coach role. He has also been a mentor and head coach of the KKR Academy, where he has nurtured young talents like Raghuvanshi. Raghuvanshi's father, Avneesh, expressed his gratitude to Nayar on Instagram, acknowledging his commitment to developing Angkrish as both a cricketer and a person.While the spotlight may shine brightly on Gambhir and the star-studded KKR backroom, the players have ensured that unsung heroes like Nayar receive their due recognition. Their contributions have been pivotal in KKR's third IPL title victory.