The Unknown

Chapter Three

The morning sun painted the cricket academy with golden hues as Arjun prepared for the match. He had spent the morning honing his skills, but to his dismay, he fumbled both with the bat and ball during practice. The nerves were getting the better of him, and he couldn't afford to let them dictate his performance in the upcoming game.As the match commenced, Rashid, the captain of the opposing team, won the toss and chose to bat. His team posted a challenging total of 200 runs in just 20 overs, setting a formidable target.

In the dugout, Imran gathered his team, emphasizing the importance of the match. "Guys, we need to win this match at any cost. If we perform well, we may get selected for the district camps. Just stay focused and keep your cool," Imran urged his teammates. The second innings began, but right from the start, Imran's team faced numerous setbacks. None of the batsmen managed to score more than 30 runs, and it was Imran himself who fought valiantly to keep his team in the game. However, everything seemed to be going well until the last over. Their score was 192/8, with 8 runs needed from the final over to secure a win.

Tragically, in the very first ball of the 19th over, Imran was caught, leaving the dugout in stunned silence as Rashid's team celebrated their victory. Amidst the despair, Arjun strode to the crease, gripping his bat. Imran, anxious and still disappointed from his own dismissal, approached Arjun.

"Arjun, try to give the strike to Shabbir," Imran advised. "Play well. We need to win this match. You fielded really well, Arjun. I want you to bat well too." Arjun replied with determination, "I'll try my level best, brother." With that, Imran returned to the pavilion, keeping a close watch on the unfolding drama. Amir, standing just outside the boundary, observed every move keenly. The pressure was palpable as Arjun faced the next ball. The third ball of the last over was wide outside the off-stump, tempting Arjun to take action. With a professional demeanor, Arjun elegantly lofted the ball over the fielders, and it sailed away to the boundary. The crowd, Imran included, marveled at the shot's finesse. With 8 runs needed from 4 balls, Arjun felt the weight of the match on his shoulders. The fielding team adjusted their positions, drawing nearer in anticipation. Arjun took a deep breath, knowing he had to make every ball count. The next delivery, however, yielded no runs. Two balls remained, and the tension was unbearable. Arjun couldn't afford to waste any more deliveries. With all eyes on him, Arjun crafted a single off the fourth ball. Two runs were required from the final two deliveries, and the outcome hung in the balance. Imran, still hopeful, believed in Arjun's potential. His team needed those two runs to win. As the fielders closed in, the atmosphere became charged with excitement and pressure. The dugout watched with bated breath, while Amir, the coach, displayed a hint of anxiety.In this crucial moment, Arjun stood resolute. The fifth ball came, and Shabbir was bowled out, sparking jubilation among Rashid's team. Imran, though disappointed, couldn't help but admire Arjun's impressive performance. Arjun had come close to turning the match in their favor.As the game concluded, Rashid approached Arjun, offering an unexpected compliment."That was a really good shot, Arjun. You nearly took the match away from us. Keep it up!" Rashid commended, leaving Arjun in disbelief. "Thanks, brother," Arjun replied, still taken aback by the unexpected praise.

Imran seized the opportunity to speak with their coach, Amir, reflecting on the team's performance. "Excuse me, sir," Imran began. Amir, welcoming the conversation, responded, "Yes, Imran." Imran expressed his regret for their team's performance. "Sorry, sir, we couldn't perform well," Imran admitted, disappointed by the result. Amir, ever the optimist, consoled Imran, recognizing their team's limitations. "That's fine, Imran. You had only 10 main players in your team, yet you gave a tough fight. That's a good spirit," Amir encouraged. Imran seized the opportunity to suggest a bold idea to Amir. "Thank you, sir. Sir, if you don't mind, can I suggest something?" Imran asked. Amir was open to Imran's suggestion. "Yeah, sure," Amir replied, intrigued by Imran's proposal. Imran shared his vision and passion for nurturing young talent."Sir, why don't we train Arjun? I can assure you that he will become a successful cricketer if we guide him properly," Imran proposed. Amir, having observed Arjun's potential and resilience, considered the idea. "Imran, I know what to do and what not. Everyone gives free advice, but it's challenging to implement," Amir acknowledged. "Now you go and continue with your practice session." As Imran resumed his training, Amir shifted his focus to a surprising development.

The arrival of Ravindra Narayan, a member of the Indian cricket selection committee, was a momentous occasion. Ravi, as he was called, had a significant announcement to make."Hey, Amir," Ravi greeted his friend. Amir, pleased by the unexpected visit, responded warmly, "Hey, Ravi. What a surprise! It's been a long time." Ravi shared the reason for his visit, sparking Amir's curiosity. "Yes, but don't worry. I'll be here with you for a month," Ravi informed Amir, who couldn't hide his anticipation. Amir inquired, "Well, that's nice. Any good news to share?"Ravi unveiled a plan set in motion by the Indian cricket selection committee."The Indian cricket selection committee has decided to encourage young talents. We've divided into teams to search for promising players in each state," Ravi explained, revealing the purpose of his visit. Amir, intrigued by the initiative, wanted to know more about Ravi's team."Where are your team members?" Amir asked. Ravi offered insight into their assignments. "One of them is in Vijayawada, and the other is in Kakinada. I'm here in the beautiful city of Visakhapatnam, beside my dear friend." Amir, while serving tea to Ravi, noticed Arjun's presence and introduced him to Ravi. Amir offered Ravi a cup of tea and remarked, "Another kid?"Ravi accepted the tea graciously and noticed Arjun. "Thank you! Another kid?"Amir elaborated, "Yes." Curious, Ravi inquired, "But why?"Amir, resolute in his decision, revealed his intentions. "Let's discuss that later."Ravi agreed to the plan and their dinner arrangement."Okay, Amir! I need to go to the office and report to them," Ravi said.Amir extended an invitation to Ravi, cementing their friendship. Ravi, dinner at my house. Be there sharp at 6:00 PM," Amir invited. Ravi accepted the invitation with enthusiasm. "Sure!"

Meanwhile, in Arjun's room, Chotu congratulated him for his commendable performance."You played really well, Arjun," Chotu acknowledged. Arjun, still processing Rashid's unexpected compliment, expressed his astonishment. "Thanks, Chotu. You know what? Rashid sir praised me for my performance," Arjun shared, his disbelief apparent.

As the evening approached, Amir and Ravi sat down for dinner in Amir's welcoming home, and as Amir and Ravi enjoyed their dinner, the conversation took a significant turn.Ravi, intrigued by Amir's enthusiasm, asked, "What's that?"Amir's response held a surprising revelation."I want Arjun to become a professional cricketer," Amir announced.Ravi, astonished by the audacious plan, exclaimed, "WHAT!!! You gonna train him?"Amir's determination shone through as he explained his vision. "Yes, Ravi. He is fifteen, and if we guide him in the proper way, within 2-3 years, he could get selected for the Under-19 (U-19) World Cup."

Ravi, still perplexed, questioned Amir's choice."But why only Arjun?" Ravi inquired, seeking to understand Amir's motivation.Amir's response revealed a personal connection to his decision. "I saw myself in him," Amir confessed, shedding light on the deep-rooted inspiration behind his decision.