The New Zealand innings wrapped up at 259 all out, with Washington Sundar claiming the final wicket. The players walked back to the dressing room, buzzing with energy and camaraderie, their momentum firmly on their side.
Rahul chuckled, more relaxed now. Virat, gave the siblings a curious look. “What the hell are you two up to?”
“Nothing, Kohlito,” Rahul called out with a grin. “Just sibling stuff.”
Virat raised a skeptical eyebrow but couldn’t suppress a smirk. “You two need supervision.”
As the players filed back into the dressing room—Virat, Rohit, Washi, Ash, Jaddu, Rishabh, Shubman, Yashasvi, Jassi, Sarfaraz, and Akash Deep—all exchanged fist bumps and pats on the back, the energy still electric.
“Great bowling out there,” Rohit said, high-fiving Washi and Ashwin. “Now let’s put up some runs.”
Appreciate it, skip,” Washi replied, smiling modestly. “But it’s a team thing.”
“Exactly,” Ashwin added with a wry grin. “We bowlers can’t let you batters hog all the credit.”
Jadeja sat down, stretching his legs. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t expect us to do this every time. We need some runs now, boys.”
Rishabh chimed in with a wide grin, sitting cross-legged on a bench. “Don’t worry, Jaddu bhai. We’ll chase it down—easy peasy.”
Shubman Gill gave Washi a quick fist bump. “That last wicket, man... perfect delivery.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal leaned in, still riding the excitement. “Feels good, right? Especially against these guys. They always make us work for it.”
Akash Deep, with his usual grin, added, “You know I'm sure people on the internet want Washi open the batting too.”
Everyone burst out laughing, and Virat shook his head. “He already does everything. Can we not overwork the guy?”
Bumrah, always calm but sharp, spoke up from the corner. “It was a good team effort, guys. But let’s keep the focus. Next job—build partnerships.”
Sarfaraz grinned. “And keep the crowd entertained, of course. We can’t let them get bored.”
Jadeja playfully smacked Sarfaraz on the shoulder. “Concentrate on runs first, entertainer.”
Rohit turned to the group, clapping his hands together. “Alright, let’s keep the energy going. The pitch looks decent, so bat smart. Stick to the plan, and we’ll be in control by tomorrow.”
The team murmured their agreement, already shifting their minds toward the next session.
Rahul leaned back, nudging Meera as the team started strategizing. “See, Meeru? This is what it’s about. Being in the moment.”
Meera smiled, appreciating the sight of the team relaxed but determined. “Yeah, I get it, Anna.”
She stood up, brushing off her hands. “I better go back to work. The field won’t watch itself.”
Virat looked over from where he was talking to Rohit. “Beth yaar, just five more minutes.”
Meera rolled her eyes, laughing. “You’ve got enough babysitters here already.”
___________
The first session of India’s innings had just begun, and Meera was stationed near the dressing room, keeping an eye on the field and crowd. As she scanned the surroundings, Virat appeared beside her, tugging her arm playfully.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows Of The Stumps
FanficAfter years of searching, cricket star KL Rahul finally discovers the truth about his long-lost sister, Meera, a secret agent whose life is shrouded in danger and mystery. As he grapples with her traumatic past and the weight of family secrets, Rahu...
