The Unknown

Chapter Eighteen

Three years had passed, and Arjun continued to mastering his skills on the field. During this time, he received a call from Kushal, the Indian team captain.Kushal expressed his concerns, "I think I'm done, Arjun. I can't maintain my fitness, and I'm struggling to score big runs. It's time for me to announce my retirement."

Arjun, worried about the impact on the team, responded, "But we have a World Cup ahead, brother. Your decision will affect the team."

Kushal explained, "That's precisely why, Arjun. If I can't perform well in the World Cup, it won't be an honorable way to retire. I've had 12 years of cricketing experience, and I'm satisfied with it."

Arjun understood Kushal's dilemma, saying, "I think your decision will affect the team, brother. Think about it carefully."

Despite the potential consequences, Kushal made the difficult choice to announce his retirement, ending his cricketing career on his own terms.

Following Kushal's retirement, Srivastav, the head of the cricket board, immediately called for a board meeting to address the situation.

Srivastav voiced his concerns, "I think this is a major setback."

Patel agreed, saying, "Yes, sir."

Kumar inquired, "Now, who will lead Team India?"

Srivastav responded, "There is a candidate named Vijay, but he is currently out of form."

Ravi added, "He does have World Cup experience."

Srivastav continued, "I'm retiring this year. I believe I've given my 100 percent, but I couldn't lead India to victory in the World Cup during my tenure."

Patel speculated, "I think after your retirement, Rohan Khanna will take your seat."

Srivastav nodded, expressing his concerns, "Yes, that's for sure. I'm worried about that. We all know how cruel he can be. His son, Rakesh Khanna, retired, and he believes it's all because of Arjun."

Kumar questioned, "What did he do?"Srivastav explained, "We selected Arjun in place of Rakesh, and since then, Arjun has not given us any reason to consider Rakesh for selection. Due to Rakesh's lack of form and opportunities, he announced his retirement. I'm genuinely concerned about Arjun's career."

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Vijay was appointed as the captain for the World Cup, but unfortunately, the tournament went worse than the 2007 World Cup. Critics and the media seized this opportunity to launch scathing attacks on the Indian cricket board for their reckless decisions. Outraged cricket fans even staged protests in front of cricketers' houses, throwing stones as a sign of their frustration.Cricketers faced relentless trolling on social media platforms, enduring harsh criticism for an extended period.

However, the Indian cricket fans finally found solace in the victory of Team India over England, a win in which Arjun played a crucial role, and Manoj Kundum was the captain.In the midst of these events, Selection Committee President Srivastav announced his retirement. As expected, Rohan Khanna was appointed as the new president of the selection committee.

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Four years had passed since the unexpected demise of Rohan Khanna, the president of the Selection Committee. India's cricket coach, Anil, received a call from Rohan's son, Rakesh Khanna, who had invited him to their family home to discuss matters of great importance.Anil extended his condolences to Rakesh upon arrival.

Rakesh accepted the condolences with a composed demeanor, "That's fine, sir. We don't know what happens next. It's fate, and we can't change it."

Anil acknowledged the wisdom in Rakesh's words.However, the conversation took a surprising turn as Rakesh revealed the circumstances surrounding his father's death and his own ambitions, "I think you should know how my father died. I and my dad were having a discussion about Arjun as he announced that the upcoming World Cup will be his retirement. So, being a humble son, I asked my father to remove Arjun from the team and give my brother a chance to play in the World Cup, which will take place within 3 months. My father didn't agree to it. So I had to do what was necessary. I had to ensure that Arjun's presence in the team was systematically eradicated. Tomorrow, I'm going to become the president of the Selection Committee, and Arjun will be out of the team. He should retire without a farewell match."

Anil expressed his concern and opposition to this plan, "This is unfair, sir. We need Arjun in the side because this is a completely new team. Except for Arjun and Manoj, none of them have world cup experience."Rakesh remained resolute, "You are the coach, Anil, it's your responsibility to figure it out."

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Amir, the academy coach, was at the training facility, and he had some grim news to share with Ravi, his close friend and colleague.

"Ravi, my health reports are out, and I'm going to America for further treatment."

"Is everything fine, Amir?"

"No, Ravi, there are tumors in my head. The doctors have said it's difficult. The maximum time they've given me is six months, but I'm not so sure about my survival. I have one last favor to ask of you."
"Of course, Amir. You just tell me what you need."
"Take care of Chotu. That's all I can ask for."
"I'll treat him like my own son, Amir."Amir had another request, one that concerned Arjun, "Please, don't say anything about my condition to Arjun. He's doing quite well in his career, and this news shouldn't disturb him. I'll give you a letter to Arjun, but only if India enters the World Cup finals."
"You have my word, Amir."
As Amir faced the uncertainty of his future, Ravi wanted to know if Amir had any last words for Arjun.
"Tell him to lift the World Cup for me and let him know that I love him."