Even as the umpires conveyed to Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan that play was set to resume after the rain, one individual quietly retrieved a large brush from his kit bag. Although Bangladesh was hesitant to resume given their advantageous position, India’s throw-down specialist, S Raghu, had a plan ready. He patrolled the boundary ropes, using the brush to scrape the soles of Indian players’ shoes, ensuring they could move freely on the wet outfield. Raghu diligently removed slush from their boot-feet and provided them with water.

“Every detail was taken care of. Raghu understood that the players would have to run on the soggy field, and mud could stick to their spikes, affecting their movement and causing slips. In a game where every little mistake mattered, he focused on keeping the players’ boots clean,” stated a support staff member.

Raghu’s actions exceeded his official duties. Hailing from Kumta in northern Karnataka, he pursued cricket ambitions in Mumbai in the late 1990s. Returning to Bangalore when his playing career stalled, he assisted coaches and players at the National Cricket Academy. Raghu became a favorite with batsmen, tirelessly throwing balls during training, earning praise from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.

Virat Kohli credited Raghu’s impact on his batting. “The success of a batsman doesn’t get much significance for those who work behind the scenes. But especially Raghu has made me very strong by practicing on the speed of 140 km,” Kohli once said. When asked why there aren’t more like Raghu in India, Kohli responded, “There can be only one Raghu.”

Eventually drafted into the Indian team, Raghu became the team’s invaluable support. Besides his primary role, he ensures all equipment is in place when players arrive at the nets. On match days, like during Wednesday’s intense match, he extends his help in every possible way.

Other support staff members also went beyond their duties during the match’s intense phase. Masseurs Rajeev Kumar and Arun Kanade, after tending to players’ aching bodies, mixed drinks tailored to each player’s preferences, whether protein shakes, electrolyte drinks, or plain water. At the World T20, throw-down specialists Raghu and Nuwan Seneviratne, along with Kanade and Rajeev, position themselves outside the boundary rope at the four corners during the Powerplay. They ensure fielders don’t have to retrieve boundary balls, keeping them fresh and maintaining the over rate.