Team India’s throwdown specialist Raghavendra Dwivedi was stopped by police at the team hotel in Nagpur ahead of the first ODI of the three-match series against England. Raghavendra Dwivedi was stopped from entering the team hotel as he was mistakenly identified as a fan on Monday, February 3.
India secured a 4-1 win in the five-match T20I series against England. They will now play the three-match series, with the first ODI set to be played on February 6 in Nagpur. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Joe Root will be in action in the ODIs as part of their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Watch: Nagpur Police Mistakenly Stop Team India’s Experienced Member from Entering Hotel
A viral video captured two police personnel stopping Raghavendra Dwivedi from entering the Radisson Blu hotel in Nagpur, as they failed to recognize him and thought he was a fan. Raghavendra has been a key part of Team India’s support staff since being handpicked by Sachin Tendulkar in 2011.
The video journalists recording the proceedings started shouting, “Arey, coach hai who. Team ke saath hai. Bus see utra hai. (He’s a coach… member of the team. He just deboarded the bus). Raghu, known for his calm and friendly nature, handled the confusion with a smile and was soon allowed to pass.
You can watch the video of the incident below:
GOAT Raghu of Indian cricket team was denied entry by Nagpur police 😂
Nagpur police guarding Rohit Sharma’s boys too strictly 😎 pic.twitter.com/iko9TTD0hP
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) February 4, 2025
Raghavendra Dwivedi Is A Crucial Member of Team India’s Support Staff
Raghavendra Dwivedi, known as Raghu, is a crucial part of Team India’s support staff. As the team’s throwdown specialist, he plays a vital role in improving the batting unit’s performance.
Raghu’s role is to deliver accurate throwdowns to simulate match-like conditions, replicating deliveries from fast bowlers, spinners, and bouncers. He helps Indian batsmen prepare for diverse situations and enhances their adaptability on the field, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Raghu’s Journey from Karnataka Cricketer to India’s Throwdown Specialist
Raghu started his journey as a cricketer in Karnataka but had to abandon his playing career due to a hand fracture. His passion for the game led him to become a throwdown specialist. He is known for his hard work and exceptional ability to deliver throwdowns at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.
This skill earned him a spot on the Karnataka state team and later, on Sachin Tendulkar’s recommendation, a permanent role in Team India’s support staff. What sets Raghu apart is his ability to tailor throwdowns according to each batsman’s needs, whether it’s a short-pitch delivery or a yorker.
His precise throwdowns help players improve shot selection and mental preparation. Over the years, Raghu has played a vital role in preparing top Indian batsmen like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill to face the world’s best bowlers.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma put on the same pedestal as Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers by England coach
