Arjun, going through a whirlwind of emotions, hurried to the team's dressing room as anxiety simmered within him. His fingers tapped urgently against his phone screen as he dialed Amir's number.
"Hello, Amir here," came the calm voice from the other end."Sir, Arjun here. I really need to talk to you," he said, his voice tinged with concern."What happened, Arjun? Is everything fine?"
Amir's soothing voice resonated with reassurance."Rashid is our team captain," Arjun blurted out, his worry palpable.
"I know," Amir responded calmly, aware of the tremor in Arjun's voice. "But I didn't mention it earlier. I didn't want it to shake your confidence. This is your moment, Arjun. Remember, opportunity knocks once, and it's what we make of it. Your oath, do you recall it?"
"Yes, sir," Arjun replied."Play with dedication, shun all negativity. Remember the pledge you made to yourself," Amir continued, his words a steady anchor in the storm of emotions.Arjun's voice strengthened with resolve, "Yes, sir, I will."
"And, Chotu wants a century from you," Amir added, his tone filled with encouragement."It's his birthday tomorrow, I'll make sure he gets it," Arjun replied, a spark of determination reigniting within him."Alright, Arjun. This is your chance to shine. Wishing you the best," Amir said before ending the call.
As Arjun put down the phone, his heart surged with determination. He would prove himself despite the shadows of doubt.
Rashid, the team captain, approached him. "Arjun, it's your first match. Give your best, or it might be your last. They selected you based on your performance in the district club tournament, but I'm not convinced you're up to the Ranji level. Was it a bribe from our coach that got you in?" he smirked.
Arjun's eyes blazed with frustration. He felt the weight of Amir's advice nudging him toward restraint, but Rashid's words stung."The respect for cricket is fading under the likes of you, a drug addict's puppet," Arjun retorted.
"Your career's in my hands. Make one wrong move, and it's over," Rashid sneered.
"I'm not a chess piece on your board," Arjun responded, his voice unwavering, "I'm the player, the master of my own game."
Rashid, seemingly unfazed, muttered a dismissive farewell as the match was about to begin. The toss was won, and the decision to bat first was made by Rashid's team.As the game unfolded on the field, Arjun's mind echoed with Amir's advice. The pressure weighed heavy on his shoulders, but he stood ready to prove his mettle on the field.
*(From here onwards C-1 and C-2 refers to commentator-1 and commentator-2.)*
C-1: Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to one and all to the first match of Ranji, this year. This match might be interesting because both the teams are strong enough and there's a new player in AP team squad namely Arjun.
C-2: I also came to know about him. He is the youngest among all players playing today. He didn't appear for the for the U-19 and yet he got selected. He once again proved that hardwork never fails.
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In the dressing room, Arjun's place in the batting order became the topic of discussion between the coach, Jay, and the team captain, Rashid. Rashid questioned, "Sir, what about Arjun's place in the order?"Jay, ever confident in Arjun's abilities, responded, "As we planned, we're going to position him at 3rd wicket."Rashid seemed perplexed and inquired further, "Then what about Prakash?"Jay considered the lineup carefully before answering, "Prakash will take the 4th wicket."
Rashid, still harboring doubts about Arjun, voiced his concerns, "Sir, I think Arjun isn't a promising player."Jay's confidence in Arjun's potential remained unshaken. "You haven't seen his game. I know how he plays. He's got remarkable consistency. You can try him for that position without any hesitation."The decision was made, and Arjun was set to bat at the 3rd wicket, a pivotal position in the lineup, reflecting the coach's faith in the young cricketer.
___________
(Match begins.)
(The openers were out with no score on their name.)
C1: This is something that we don't expect. 0 for 2 wickets. Definitely Andhra Pradesh team is in trouble.
________
Inside the team dugout, Rashid strongly voiced his opinion, saying, "Sir, I think Prakash should go to bat."Jay, in agreement with Rashid's suggestion, responded, "Even I think the same. Arjun is just a kid, and it's quite challenging for someone so young to handle this level of pressure. On my word, send Prakash."With their decision made, Prakash was chosen to go out to bat, despite Arjun's presence and potential in the squad.
________
(Prakash enters the ground.)
C2: Prakash makes his way out to the center of the pitch. Let's see how do he handle the pressure.
(But the change didn't made any difference.)
(By the end of tea break team score was 97/9)
C1: This is a pitiable condition. Andhra Pradesh team have managed to score 97 with a player left in the batting line up.
C2: That guy who is about to bat is Arjun he is the only one left and the interesting part will be the way he handle the pressure.
_________
Inside the dugout, Jay expressed his disappointment, stating, "This is not the score we wanted."Rashid quickly replied, "The pitch condition is favoring the bowlers."Jay, unsure if this was a valid reason or merely an excuse, decided to take action. He called upon Arjun, advising him as he walked to the crease.Jay said, "Arjun, bat for the whole day. Do not go for unnecessary shots. Play well. I know there is a lot of pressure, but remember, it's about our team. I hope you understand."With determination, Arjun nodded in agreement and made his way onto the field.
______
C1: Finally the young guy enters the crease. Let's see what he can do to save his team to score above par score.
YOU ARE READING
The Unknown
General Fiction"In 'The Unknown', follow the inspiring journey of Arjun, a struggling cricketer who faces personal and professional setbacks. With the guidance of his mentor and the support of a friend, Arjun embarks on a determined quest for redemption. As he fig...
