Shadows Of The Stumps

Chapter - 132 - 2

The celebrations were still in full swing when Jatin Sapru managed to catch hold of Hardik, who was grinning ear to ear, his Champions Trophy medal resting against his chest. The energy in the dressing room was electric—music blaring, players shouting, laughing, reliving every moment of the match.

Jatin, holding the mic, turned to Hardik with a playful smile. "Arey bhai, ab toh senior player ho officially! Champions Trophy winner bhi! Kaisa lag raha hai?"

Hardik leaned back slightly, smirking. "Bhai, honestly, abhi tak properly sink in nahi hua. Matlab, yaar, soch—2017 me as a youngster team me aaya tha, ab idhar senior category me aa gaya!" He laughed, shaking his head. "But seriously, it feels unreal. We've worked so hard for this moment, and to finally have this trophy in our hands... just wow."

Jatin nodded. "Aur iss tournament me jo leadership dikhayi tune, especially under pressure—batao, ye Hardik Pandya jo kabhi carefree tha, woh itna mature kaise ho gaya?"

Hardik chuckled. "Maturity aati hai jab life thoda dikhati hai ki yaar, chill maarne ka time gaya, ab zimmedaari lene ka hai." He looked around at his celebrating teammates before adding, "Honestly, highs and lows sab dekha hai. Injuries, comebacks, doubts, criticism—but jo log sahi time pe sath khade rahe na, unhi ki wajah se aaj yahan khada hoon."

Just then, another familiar voice joined in.

"Arey, emotions getting the best of Hardik Pandya?"

Jatin turned, laughing as KL Rahul strolled in, slightly breathless from all the celebrations. He clapped a hand on Hardik's shoulder. "Bro, don't get too soft, or people will think you've changed!"

Hardik rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up. You're one to talk."

Jatin grinned. "Perfect timing, Rahul! Let's do something fun—Hardik, you answer for Rahul, and Rahul, you answer for Hardik. Game?"

Both looked at each other before smirking. "Done!"

Jatin turned to Hardik first. "Okay, Hardik, tell me—what does winning this trophy mean to KL Rahul?"

Hardik's expression turned thoughtful. "For Rahul... this win is personal. I know how much he's been through—the injuries, the doubts, the criticism. But every time people wrote him off, he came back stronger. I think this trophy is proof that he belongs here, that no matter what happens, KL Rahul will always rise."

Rahul smiled, looking down for a second before shaking his head. "Bro, you're making me emotional. Stop it."

Jatin laughed. "Alright, Rahul, your turn. What does this trophy mean to Hardik Pandya?"

Rahul grinned. "For Hardik? It means validation. People have questioned him, doubted him, but he never stopped believing in himself. He's gone through a lot—injuries, setbacks—but he's always come back with a bang. This win is proof of the fighter he is."

Hardik smirked. "Damn, we sound like each other's PR managers."

Jatin laughed. "Okay, next—what's one annoying habit about each other?"

Hardik didn't even hesitate. "Rahul OVERTHINKS. One shot missed, and he'll replay it in his head for hours."

Rahul groaned. "Okay, fair. But Hardik has mood swings. One moment he's the happiest guy in the room, next moment he's sulking."

Hardik gasped dramatically. "EXCUSE ME?"

Jatin was in stitches now. "Alright, alright, last question—if you had to dedicate this win to someone, who would it be?"

Hardik and Rahul exchanged a glance before Hardik spoke first. "For everyone who stood by us in our worst times. Family, friends, teammates—and most importantly, the fans who support us no matter what."