The Raghavendra Dwivedi Story: From 21 Rupees to India’s World Cup Triumph
When India clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, an unassuming man with kumkum on his forehead quietly celebrated on the field. This man, Raghavendra Dwivedi, hails from Karnataka and has an extraordinary story that reflects his determination, passion, and pivotal role in India’s cricketing success. Early Struggles and Determination Around 24 years ago, a young boy named Raghavendra left his home in Kumta, Uttara Kannada district, with just 21 rupees. He dreamt of becoming a cricketer, but a fracture in his hand shattered that dream. Undeterred, Raghavendra decided to carve a new path in the cricketing world. Raghavendra’s father was vehemently against his cricketing aspirations. This led to a decisive moment where Raghavendra chose cricket over everything else. He left for Hubli, where he lived in dire conditions, including sleeping at the bus stand, a temple, and eventually a crematorium. For four and a half years, he called an abandoned building in the crematorium his home, using a cricket mat as his blanket. A Turning Point Despite the hardships he faced, Raghavendra’s passion for cricket never waned. He began assisting cricketers in Hubli by throwing balls during their practice sessions. His dedication caught the attention of a friend who directed him to Bangalore, where he found a place at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket. Tere, he worked tirelessly, throwing balls to Karnataka cricketers and assisting with the bowling machine. His relentless effort did not go unnoticed. Former Karnataka wicketkeeper and current Under-19 selection committee chief Tilak Naidu recognized Raghavendra’s dedication and introduced him to Javagal Srinath, a former Karnataka cricketer. Srinath, impressed by his sincerity and hard work, invited Raghavendra to join the Karnataka Ranji team. This opportunity marked a turning point in his life. Rise to National Recognition Raghavendra’s journey continued at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he worked without pay for several years, often going without food. However, his hard work paid off when he completed the BCCI Level-1 coaching course and became a favorite among Indian cricketers who came for practice. His talent was soon recognized by Sachin Tendulkar, leading to his appointment as a training assistant with the Indian Cricket Team in 2011. The Backbone of Team India For the past 13 years, Raghavendra, also known as Raghu, has been a crucial figure in the Indian dressing room. As a throwdown specialist, he has thrown at least 1 million balls during practice sessions. His deliveries, reaching speeds of 150 kph, have honed the skills of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli once remarked, “Facing Raghu’s 150 kph deliveries in the nets makes the fastest bowlers seem like medium pacers during matches.“ Raghu’s contribution to the team often goes unnoticed, but his role is indispensable. He is known for his speed and precision with the sidearm, making him one of the best throwdown specialists in the world. His dedication and hard work have played a significant part in the success of the Indian Cricket Team, culminating in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory. An Inspirational Journey Raghavendra Dwivedi’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. From living in a crematorium with just 21 rupees to becoming a key figure behind India’s World Cup triumph, his journey exemplifies the power of determination and hard work. His commitment to the sport and the Indian Cricket Team has made him an unsung hero, proving that true passion and dedication can overcome any obstacle. In the words of Virat Kohli, “This man has a huge role in my success today, but his hard work sometimes goes unnoticed by the world.” Raghavendra’s journey is a powerful reminder that behind every successful team, there are individuals whose efforts, though often unseen, are invaluable. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
