The Unknown

Chapter Fifteen

(Arjun along with his partner opened for the team)

C-1: Let's see what this young lad can do. We have seen his best in the last game. This time he is promoted as an opener. The pitch favours the batting team here goes the bowler.

(A suprise inswinging delivery knocks the stumps behind Arjun.)

C-2: He is bowled. Could you believe it. That's a perfect inswinging delivery by the bowler and that went right through his defence and bad luck for that young man. He is gone for a golden duck.

(The match went good after the first wicket. Rashid scored a century with the bat but Arjun failed to impress everyone in the second innings also. He was sent at number 3 and scored 3 runs.)

(This continued further resulting Arjun's placement in the team. He was not sent at a particular position and he failed to prove himself.)

(Arjun clearly know that Rashid is the main architect behind his failure. He was no where to fight against him because Rashid is the captain of the team.)

(Amir was literally tensed by seeing Arjun's performance. He expected a lot from him.)

(After all the group matches Andhra Pradesh team didn't quality for the quarter finals. The board was fuming on Jay Vardhan. The whole team blamed Arjun as he didn't perform well with both bat and ball.)

During a routine practice session, Jay Vardhan called Arjun over.Arjun: "Sir, why did you call me?"Jay placed a paper on the table with force, his expression stern."Do you know what this is?"Arjun, puzzled, responded, "No.""Your statistics. Your performance and progress throughout the season." "Sir, I have a reason, and I believe I can explain.""Alright, you have two minutes. After that, it's my turn to speak, and you must listen."Arjun proceeded to address his concerns, "Sir, I don't think I'm entirely to blame. It's a collective team responsibility for both our wins and losses. I admit I didn't perform consistently well this season. Some of it was due to being placed in varying positions by the team management. When it comes to bowling, I was given both new and old balls at different times, making it challenging to maintain consistency. I feel like Rashid wants me to fail in every match; it's all part of his plan, and it's affecting the entire team."

"Are you finished? Anything else?"

"No, sir, that's all."

"Now, hear me out. First, don't search for excuses for your shortcomings, and second, don't blame your captain. Rashid is an accomplished player, and you're in no position to judge him. Arjun, the board is scrutinizing me closely, even suggesting my resignation. I understand that the entire team shares the blame for our losses. So, why did I single you out for this conversation? Your recent performances tell the story: 97, 178, 0, 4, 2, 1, 5... What kind of trajectory is this? The board selected you from among the 16 squad members. Do you think this is solely the captain's responsibility? Arjun, I'm not convinced that you are mature and stable enough to play Ranji cricket at this time. You need some time, and you will have your day. I'd like you to return to your academy and prepare for the next season. I will speak to your coach. Do you understand?"

Arjun, disappointed and disheartened, responded, "You want me to leave? This isn't fair, sir. I believe I deserve another chance.""How many chances do you need? Those single-digit scores were your opportunities, and you couldn't capitalize on them. Your coach falsely assured me that you were a dependable player, and I, perhaps foolishly, believed it. Now, get out of my sight, Arjun."With a heavy heart, Arjun exited the room. Rashid, who had orchestrated this conversation, approached him. "How did your talk with the coach go, Arjun?"Arjun, surprised, asked, "How did you know about it?"Rashid grinned, revealing his involvement, "I arranged that meeting. Remember when you called me a drug-addicted captain? When you said you were not a mere chess piece to be moved but a grandmaster? You challenged me, saying that my checkmate wouldn't stop you. I warned you that your career was in my hands, Arjun. Now, it's time for you to go home, kid. You're not fit for this."Arjun, displaying resilience, responded, "Thank you, Rashid. You've given me time to improve myself. You may call me a loser, but I view this as the start of my journey to future success. Rest assured, Rashid, you will face the consequences of what you've done to me. Mark my words."

Arjun packed his belongings and left, boarding a train headed for Vizag. Once there, he returned to the academy, where Amir, his coach, welcomed him back. "Welcome, Arjun. Your coach called me and explained everything in detail. He mentioned that I broke my promise. So, I assured him that Arjun would bounce back and mark his return to the team. This is not the end, Arjun; this is the beginning of their end."Moved by Amir's support, tears welled up in Arjun's eyes. He hugged Amir tightly, overwhelmed with gratitude. "I'm sorry, sir. I thought you would scold me for my failure.""It's alright, Arjun. Now, I have a clear plan for upcoming selections. This isn't the end for you; it's the beginning of the end for the others."Determined to prove himself and make a comeback, Arjun expressed his readiness to get back to training. "I'll prepare for practice, sir."