After clinching a 4-1 T20I series win, Team India arrived in Nagpur for the first ODI against England, set to take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on February 6.
However, an amusing incident unfolded as the team checked into the Radisson Blu Hotel—police officers stationed outside failed to recognize India’s long-time throwdown specialist, Raghavendra Dwivedi, popularly known as Raghu.
Despite being a crucial member of India’s support staff since Sachin Tendulkar handpicked him in 2011, Raghu was momentarily halted before journalists covering the team’s arrival stepped in to clarify the situation.
“Arey coach hai woh. Team ke saath hai. Bus se utra hai.” (He’s a coach… part of the team. He just got off the bus), a journalist shouted to the officers.
Once an aspiring cricketer from Karnataka, Raghu’s playing career was cut short due to a fractured hand. However, his ability to deliver throwdowns at speeds exceeding 150 km/h earned him recognition.
He started working with the Karnataka state team, where his skills caught the attention of players training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Among them was Sachin Tendulkar, who recommended him for the Indian support staff—a role he has excelled in ever since.
The three-match ODI series against England serves as crucial preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19.
India will be eager to bounce back after disappointing results in Test cricket, having lost both the home Test series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which also cost them a spot in the World Test Championship final.
With the ODIs providing an opportunity to rebuild momentum, all eyes will be on how Team India shapes up ahead of the big tournament.