• Source:JND
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Asia Cup 2025: India's red-ball captain, Shubman Gill, is often praised for his incredible adaptability against fast bowling. Whether it is a cut on a wider delivery or a pull shot on a bouncer, Gill has proved his prowess in almost every condition. His years of practice on the ground have been instrumental to his solid technique against pacers.

Gill has often credited his father, Lakhwinder Singh, for the steps he took, like moving to Mohali for the sake of his son's future. Gill must have faced several bowlers in the nets, but one individual stayed with him and persisted till now. His name is Avinash Kumar, who became Gill's personal sidearm thrower - his own 'Raghu'.

For the unversed, 'Raghu' aka Raghavendra Dwivedi is Team India's specialist for Throwdowns. Interestingly, Raghu was discovered by Sachin Tendulkar around 2011 to provide challenging batting practice. Dwivedi is known for his crucial role in helping several Indian stalwarts, among the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, to tackle pace.

Kohli once claimed that Raghu can provide throwdowns at a speed of 150 km/h.

Also Read: Shubman Gill's flick gets Wasim Akram's esctatic during IND vs UAE | video 

How did Gill's father discover a 'Raghu' in Avinash?

As per a report by TOI, a migrant labourer from UP, Ram Vilas Shah, would stand outside Gate no.1 of the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, selling fruit juice. Gill and his father were regulars at his shop for a glass of 'mosambi' juice.

Interestingly, Shah's son Avinash used to be a fast bowler as well. One day in 2014, Lakhwinder spotted Avinash near the cart and enquired about his father.

"I told him, 'paaji, I've quit cricket. I am working in a photo studio. Today I am here because my father is not well,'" Avinash was quoted as saying on TimesofIndia.com.

"I played cricket after my father requested one of the PCA coaches. I am two years senior to Shubman. I was a fast bowler but I quit cricket because of our family's financial constraints," he explains.

A few months later, Gill's father found Avinash working at his father's cart and got angry again. He advised him to concentrate on Cricket as it can change his life.

"Lakhwinderpaaji was angry. He told me cricket can change your family's life. He was unhappy with my decision to walk away from cricket, and was even more miffed after I told him that I work in a photo studio," he says with a laugh now.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 points table after IND vs UAE

Shubman Gill's father shared a video to help me learn the nuances of sidearm bowling: Avinash

"I saw the video. Lakhwinderpaaji helped me get one sidearm and I started mastering it," he says.

We Have Been Together Till Now: Avinash

"I knew him from the academy. But now I became his personal side-arm thrower. Woh din tha aur aaj ka din hai. Hum ikkathehai (There was that day and it is now. We've been together)," Avinash proudly says.

"I never used to take money from Shubman's father. He has been my guiding light. He gave me money during festivals like Holi and Diwali. He took me to the hospital and also helped my family whenever we were in need. I will always be grateful," he says.