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Major Boost For India Before CT25 Final; Key Member Rejoins Team Despite Personal Tragedy

Soumyajit Dutta

India's team manager R Devraj [Source: @KumariDiya/X.com]India's team manager R Devraj [Source: @KumariDiya/X.com]

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Team India manager R Devraj has rejoined the Men in Blue ahead of the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, marking an emotional comeback after a personal tragedy. Devraj, who serves as the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary, temporarily left the squad during the group stage following the sudden demise of his mother. 

His return to the Indian camp in Dubai, where the team is preparing for the Champions Trophy final amid scrutiny on senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is being seen as a significant morale boost as India eyes a third consecutive ICC trophy.

India Manager Bounces Back From Personal Loss

R Devraj departed for Hyderabad from Dubai on March 4 after receiving news of his mother, Kamaleshwari Devi’s passing. The HCA released an official statement expressing condolences.

Despite his grief, Devraj prioritized rejoining the squad ahead of the critical semi-final clash against Australia. According to a Cricbuzz report, he reunited with the team before the match, which India won comfortably by 45 runs, powered by Virat Kohli’s match-winning 84.

While Team India manager R Devraj does not directly influence on-field strategies, his presence is vital behind the scenes. As a senior support staff member, he oversees logistical coordination, player welfare, and administrative duties, elements crucial for maintaining team harmony during high-pressure tournaments. 

India’s Road to the Final

Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India have been dominant in the Champions Trophy, remaining unbeaten in the group stage and semi-finals. The team now eyes back-to-back ICC titles after their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. New Zealand, however, poses a formidable challenge, having edged past South Africa in a tense semi-final.