India had a dream run in Asia Cup 2023. There were a lot of uncertainties in the team heading into the continental tournament but by the time the Men in Blue emerged as the champions of Asia, they had ticked more boxes than otherwise. India beat Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (September 17) to lift Asia Cup trophy for the eighth time. Even though it was the home team who had won the toss and elected to bat first, India bowled them out for mere 50 with Mohammed Siraj being the pick of the bowlers, scalping 6 for 21 off his 7 overs.
Rohit Sharma & Co. then decided to try out a new opening pair, sending Ishan Kishan as Shubman Gill's opening partner. The duo raced to India's target in 6.1 overs, ensuring that all the 10 wickets remain intact and the team register their biggest win in terms of balls remaining. Later, when India was handed over their winning trophy, Tilak Varma was one of the first ones to lay his hand on the trophy which has been a tradition in the Indian team of the youngest member lifting the trophy.
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However, there was another man who got to lift the trophy surrounding which there has been an air of mystery. This man is neither a player, coach or a physio but the team's throwdown specialist D Raghavendra. His primary job is to give throw downs to the Indian batters with the help of a slinger. The team also has two more throw down specialists to help them prepare for their assignments. Deservingly, they are part of the team's success and Raghavendra even got to feel the trophy in his hands. Raghavendra was a professional cricketer bit had to give up his dream after picking up a hand injury.
Meanwhile, India will next host a three-match ODI series against Australia before the ODI World Cup set to commence on October 5. India will play their first match of the World Cup against Australia on October 8.