The Unknown

Chapter Four

As Amir and Ravi conversed over dinner, Ravi couldn't help but ask the burning question on his mind. "What made you decide to train him?" Ravi inquired, curious about the inspiration behind Amir's bold choice. Amir leaned back, reminiscing about his own journey in the world of cricket."Do you remember my first match? I think it was the 13th over, and I played a shot over extra cover for a four," Amir recollected. Ravi's face lit up as he recalled that moment. "Yeah, that was the most beautiful shot I've ever seen, the best shot ever." Amir's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as he continued, "Believe it or not, in yesterday's match, I saw Arjun playing a shot very similar to that one." Ravi couldn't hide his astonishment. "What? Did he really play that shot?"Amir grinned, his belief in Arjun unwavering. "He almost did."Ravi, now convinced of Amir's rationale, couldn't help but acknowledge the young talent. "Great. Then I think your decision is sound."

Amir, satisfied with Ravi's approval, made a request that was critical to his plans. "Ravi, I need your favor," Amir appealed.Ravi, ever the supportive friend, asked, "Tell me, Amir."Amir shared his concerns regarding the upcoming Ranji trophy selections. "I think we have the Ranji trophy selections this weekend, right?" Amir inquired.

Ravi confirmed this, understanding the urgency of the situation. "Yes, we do. I need to report to the selection authority by this weekend and provide my analysis of the player selections."Amir revealed his specific request, which aligned with his strategic plans. "Ravi, I want you to select Rashid for this Ranji trophy," Amir requested.

Ravi, aware of Rashid's potential but equally cognizant of his character issues, expressed his reservations. "I think Rashid can't sustain in the cricket camps. It's mainly because of his attitude. He plays really well, but character plays an important role," Ravi explained.Amir, knowing the complexities of the situation, justified his request. "I want you to select him because if he is there, I can't concentrate on Arjun."

Ravi agreed to Amir's request, with one condition in mind. "I can understand. Okay, I'll select him. Make sure that he overcomes the dope test." Amir, appreciating Ravi's assistance, assured him, "Yeah, I'll take care of it."

As their conversation shifted, Ravi seized the opportunity to catch up with Amir."So, what else, Amir? It has been a very long time since I met you," Ravi commented, hoping to reconnect with his friend.Amir's curiosity led him to inquire about the standout player in the current squad."Hey Ravi, according to you, who is the best player in the present squad?" Amir inquired.Ravi shared his insights, praising the captain, Kushal Munagala, for his remarkable leadership skills. "Well, according to me, the best player is the captain, Kushal Munagala. He has a great character, and I've never seen him complain about the team. His strategic thinking is impressive," Ravi praised.

Amir agreed, acknowledging Kushal's presence of mind. "Yeah, he has a very good presence of mind."Their conversation then veered towards Arjun's future in cricket. Ravi was curious about Arjun's role in the team. "So, is Arjun a batsman?" Ravi asked, seeking more information about the young talent. Amir, however, had different aspirations for Arjun. "I want to see him as an all-rounder," Amir stated.

Ravi, understanding the challenges associated with becoming an all-rounder in Indian cricket, raised concerns."Amir, it's really difficult for an all-rounder to secure a place in Indian cricket," Ravi remarked, aware of the competition and challenges involved.Amir, undeterred, shared his perspective on the scarcity of quality all-rounders in the Indian cricket scene. "It's not difficult, Ravi. India has never had a prominent all-rounder.

According to me, the best all-rounders were Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh. The main problem is that all-rounders don't get enough opportunities to prove themselves," Amir argued.Ravi, probing further, questioned whether the selection committee held any responsibility in this regard. "So, you're saying it's our fault?" Ravi inquired.Amir, diplomatic yet critical, didn't mince words. "No, but there is a fault, Ravi. It's not just your fault, but there is a fault in the system as well," Amir pointed out.

Ravi, slightly taken aback, sought clarification. "What the hell did you just say..!?"Amir explained his viewpoint, addressing the process of player assessment. "Actually, you guys predict a player's potential within just 2-3 matches. I think that's not at all fair," Amir expressed his concern.Ravi, defending the selection committee's perspective, reminded Amir of their responsibilities. "That's what we are supposed to do, Amir," Ravi stated.

Amir, however, wasn't finished and had an example to illustrate his point. "Hey, what about Rohan Srivatsav, the son of the chief selector, Mr. Srivatsav?"Ravi didn't hold back, sharing his candid assessment. "He is still there in the team. All of us are waiting for his retirement. He's practically useless for the team and clings to his spot due to his father's influence. I believe he'll announce his retirement within 3-4 years," Ravi predicted.With their discussion reaching its conclusion, Amir suggested they rest for the night, as they had a new day ahead."Hmm, Ravi, it's already late. Let's sleep. We need to start the training process tomorrow. Good night," Amir proposed. Ravi bid his friend goodnight, and they both retired for the evening.The following morning, Arjun, eager to begin his training, was already prepared and waiting. Amir and Ravi arrived at the academy, ready to kickstart the transformation of a young and promising talent.

Imran, the senior player, approached Arjun and confirmed his training for the day."Arjun, it's your training today, right?" Imran asked. Arjun, displaying his dedication, replied, "Yes, brother."Imran then handed Arjun a set of sentences and instructed him to memorize them. "Okay, then memorize the five sentences that I tell you now," Imran instructed, setting the stage for a significant moment in Arjun's journey.Arjun, fully engaged, nodded and said, "Yes, brother."Imran guided Arjun through the oath, which was a crucial part of their training. "I am Arjun. My aim is to play for the country. No matter what circumstances I'm in, I'll always give my best. I'll play with utmost dedication and sincerity and promise that I'll never get influenced by other things. I'll assure that one day I'll become a cricketing legend," Imran recited, and Arjun followed suit. This is the oath.

Each and every player in this academy should make a promise and act accordingly," Imran clarified.With the oath ingrained in his mind, Arjun was ready for the next phase of his training. Amir, the visionary coach, called him to the center of the pitch."Come to the center of the pitch," Amir instructed Arjun. Arjun, poised for this moment, replied with determination, "Yes, sir."Amir initiated a series of questions, each designed to test Arjun's commitment and passion for the sport."I'll ask you some questions, and you need to reply as loudly as you can," Amir directed.Arjun affirmed his readiness with a confident response, "Yes, sir."Amir began the questioning, starting with the basics.

"What's your name?"
"My name is Arjun."
"What's your aim?"
"My aim is to play for the country."
"Do you think it is that easy?"
"No matter what circumstances I'm in, I'll always give my best."
"What is your game strategy?"
"I don't have any particular strategy, but I can assure that I'll play according to the situation and give my best output every time."
"Good. Arjun, remember one thing, life has given you a chance. It's your time to prove yourself."

Amir emphasized, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the young cricketer. The training had commenced, and Arjun was ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in his quest to become a professional cricketer.