One Shots on ICT bonds with Virat

Whispers of Absence

On the second day of the IndvEng test match in Vizag, India posted a total of 396 runs, largely thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive double century. While everyone celebrated Jaiswal's achievement, some batters, specially Shubman, were disheartened by their own performances.

Shubman didnt want to think too much about it but it was really hard not to, he was struggling a lot recently, specially in test cricket. On top of that, his two favourite people, who make him feel at ease were not there, Ishan and Virat bhai.

He was on the field, thinking about the same when he dropped the catch. It was difficult catch but could be taken.

It was not that he was not attentive but something or the other was at back of his mind. And it also resulted in hurting his finger.

As he saw Rohit bhai coming there, he immediately hid his finger back.

"Are you okay Shubi?", Rohit asked looking concerned.

"Yes bhaiya sorry for the catch drop", Shubman apologised immediately.

"It's okay, Hota hai [happens], go stand in slips", Rohit said and Shubman followed the captain's directions.

As Shubman took his position, the absence beside him struck immediately - Virat was not there.

"Focus, Shubman," he scolded himself.

And that worked, a low catch came to him and he grabbed it. Whether fueled by frustration from his recent form or the relief of finally making a breakthrough, Shubman celebrated with unusual intensity.

"What's gotten into you? You're celebrating like Virat," remarked Rohit, giving Shubman a reassuring pat on the back.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Shubman toned down his celebrations for other catches which came his way. Unknown to others, his finger started to throb with pain, but he chose not to reveal it.

"I'm going to play, Rahul bhai. Just help me with the physio, and please don't inform Rohit bhai and the others," Shubman earnestly requested the coach.

"But Shub, it already looks painful, and playing might worsen it," expressed concern Rahul.

"Rahul bhai, you know Virat bhai played with stitches, even Rohit bhai did. Please let me play. It's just an injection," Shubman pleaded.

"Couldn't you adopt any other quality from them?" mumbled Rahul while calling the physio.

As the medicine took effect, Shubman whispered, "Please don't tell the others," and Rahul bhai, caressing his hair, promised, "I won't."

True to his word, next day, Shubman followed in the footsteps of Virat and scored a century. While luck played its part, he ensured that every run counted.

"Why such a subdued celebration?" questioned Rohit, sitting beside Rahul bhai.

"Maybe he's relieved about his form," suggested Rahul.

"Yes, I can see that, but there's something else," observed Rohit.

After getting out, Shubman received pats on the back from everyone. Rohit hugged him, causing Shubman to hiss in pain as his hand was caught in the embrace. Shubman refrained from lifting his hand to hug back.

"What's wrong?" inquired Rohit. Shubman then revealed how his finger was now hurting as the injection wore off.

"Virat bhai and you did the same," argued Shubman as Rohit started scolding him.

"You miss him, don't you?" Rohit asked.

"A lot. Kab ayenge wapis [When will he be back]?" Shubman asked, hugging Rohit.

"Soon," assured Rohit, patting his head.

It was the fourth day of the test match, and Team India gathered in a huddle.

"We have two days, we've got to win this one - we need to create pressure on them. And one more thing, 'garden mai mat ghumo' [Don't roam around like you are in a garden]," declared Rohit. Jassi pondered something and then exchanged a knowing look with Ashwin, who mirrored his expression.

"For the next 60 overs, they should feel like hell out there. Koi bhi mujhe haste huye dikha toh dekhna [If I see anyone laughing, then see]"

Jassi and Ash chuckled at the memory. "What's funny?" Rohit inquired, curious to join in on the joke.

"Um, nothing," they both replied.

"Missing him, Ash bhaiya?" Jassi asked, seeking understanding, as he had just realized how profoundly Virat's absence affected him.

"It's hard not to feel his absence, Jas," Ash replied, patting his back.

Then, Bumrah dismissed Bairstow, and when their review was successful, Ash couldn't resist sledging him, especially since he had been giving continuous looks.

"What was that?" Rohit asked.

Ash just shrugged, "Nothing."

"You sledged like Virat, why?" Rohit inquired, curious.

"No reason, Rohit," Ash answered, winking at Jassi, who sheepishly smiled.

Shreyas, standing beside Jassi, noticed the exchange.

As the partnership was building and becoming frustrating, Ash finally got the breakthrough. Rohit took a fantastic catch in the slips, leading to celebratory moments. Rohit, caught up in the excitement, didn't realize what he did as he ran with the ball, turned, and hugged others.

Ash glanced at Jassi, who understood what Rohit had just done without even realizing it.

Finally, it was Shreyas who got Stokes run out, celebrating in the same manner as Stokes celebrated his wicket.

"And why did you do that?" Rohit asked during the drinks break.

"If you can give it, you gotta learn to take it," Shreyas replied, and the others stared at him, realizing whose words he was echoing. They all had a smile on their faces.

As they returned to the field, Rohit noticed Shreyas, Rajat, Sarfaraz, Bharat, and Kuldeep being lazy and yawning.

"Mere awaaz ka vat lag gaya tum pe chilla chilla ke" [My throat is gone from screaming at you guys], he yelled loudly to wake them up.

"Wish Vi was here, at least he would have kept everyone awake," Rohit mumbled to himself.

"Really wish he was here, Bhaiya," Jassi said as he heard Rohit expressing his thoughts.

"Yeah, I wish it too," Rohit replied, patting him on the back.

India finally won, and the celebration was wild. Jassi, usually quiet, let out a loud roar when we got the last wicket, surprising everyone with how pumped he was.

The cheers quieted down, and they all sat there quietly, Then Rohit got kinda serious, "I could feel his absence today.", he said quietly.

Rohit started talking about how Virat's not here but his energy and qualities are like they all could feel it, in Shubman's dedication, Jassi's wild celebrations, Ash's sledging, and Shreyas giving it back to the other team.

Ash, being his usual witty self, teased Rohit, "Even in your catch celebration and curses, Virat's influence was there, Rohit." Rohit thought about it, and a smile spread across his face, realizing Ash had a point.

Rahul bhai, trying to lift the mood, said, "We all miss him. Hopefully, we'll get some updates on him soon. Don't worry, we're reaching out to him today. Fingers crossed everything's okay, alright?"

"Got it, Coach," they all said, making him chuckle.

***

A/N:

Our team won and how! They were amazing today. Though there are some improvements but overall it was a great win.

I had this thought because today, and maybe some of you felt it too, some things happening on the field reminded us of Virat's style. So, Just a random idea.

Hoping everything is okay with him, and he'll be back with the team soon. Missing him a lot.