Was I Meant to Play Cricket - Part 02

The train to my hometown was never that long. I stood firm even after a big failure, but the wounds were still fresh. That day, something broke inside me which never happened before. It was my CONFIDENCE. Believe me or not, I reached home and started looking for a bed, this shocked everyone because  a kid who always used to look for his bat now wanted a bed. What's wrong? What happened? Everyone had questions and I was ready with the answer "Nothing, I am just tired so I need rest". 

Deep inside I know that I was not tired, but sad. It took me 2 to 3 weeks to revitalize and start the journey once again. The warrior instincts were in me since childhood, so how could I let go of something that I used to look forward every day with open and closed eyes. This time, I decided to work on the areas where I lagged behind earlier. Without any AI or assisted technology, I took the help of my shadow to identify issues and rectify them precisely. 

Golden Chance

Gradually the focus, concentration, and practice all gets lined up. This time either in or out this was the mindset. I played several games in between. This was the time when no Cricheroes (app) were invented and every score was mentioned on a piece of paper called as a scorebook. In those games, the grit was evident - 8 consecutive centuries - 3 against the senior-most team. The fire within me never let me to settle for less. Looking at my performance, I was appointed for ALL INDIA CRICKET Championship to be held in J&K. 

It is a privilege to be part of the senior team and play a tournament that happens once a year and holds vital importance in grooming a potential cricketer. We went there, performed well and finished runners-up. Our captain scored big and won the Man of the Series award, but the camp was impressed by the performance of the 17-year-old lad performance that they saw against the prime bowlers. I scored a quick-fire 78 runs in just 38 delivers in just one match which I played. 

Not just runs, there was some serious catching and flyers all around the ground. Some people used to say the ground was small, I say even if it is 30 yards if you have the ability then only you can hit the ball across the boundary, otherwise I have seen players who are unable to pass half way of the circle and call themselves batsmen. We played 7 matches, I got one (semi-final match) and 20 minutes before the match our team manager told that one of our team members was sick and needed rest.

That inning boosted confidence in me but it was shattered when I didn't get a chance to play in the final. I was fielding in place of that player and took a few catches, but was not in the team for the final match. It hurts when you are capable, perform better than them, and still don't get the chances you deserve. I fielded and after innings completion, I sat in a corner with a small dog with me. We lost that match by 38 runs and the player I replaced made a mesmerizing GOLDEN DUCK in 12 deliveries. 

Belief Broken or Built?

We were runners-up, but his club team was praising our captain's innings in the semi-final match and his brilliant century in the final. Everyone who watched the semi-final match had a question in their mind: why did this boy not play the final match?

At the age of 17, three kids came and said sign this for us, we liked your flick, sweep, lofted drive and diving catch, and we will copy you. I didn't know people admire cricketers like this even though I have played just one match. I was feeling broken just before the start of the final, but as things happened, everything brought a different level of confidence in me. We came back to our academy, got some photos by news agencies, and school staff. 

From the next day, I stayed calm and peaceful, re-corrected my cross-batted shots and tried to play it more straight. Fingers were broken by that dive and I realized that later  on the first day of practice because of the higher adrenaline. This time, I showcased my talent the maximum I could, now the fire was to look for probable chances and work harder to win them. 

Some Serious Injuries

A young blood doesn't truly understand what pain is. Yes, this was almost a decade ago when I was 

struck with some serious injuries. The major tournament I was playing was, I knew I have to give it all - no hesitation, no second-guessing. I batted well, half the job done, and thankfully, no injuries. But, the real challenge was fielding. One of their players was playing tremendously well and struck two consecutive long sixes. 

He launched the third one towards long-off, and I was right there. The ball was coming at an angle, not too high, majorly flat. I sprinted but the distance between me and the ball in the air was more than 2 feet (I guess), and as I reached, I dove. Let me be clear: I had never practiced diving catches. But, the heat of the moment and high adrenaline rush in my veins allowed me to go for it and I did without a second though. 

Practice was essential to complete that stuff with precision.

The reason I'm sharing this is because there's a deeper science behind it. Diving wasn't the problem. With enough practice and flexibility, you can get the technique. So, I did. The problem was in the landing. The speed and momentum were so intense that when I hit the ground, it was brutal. My fingers and elbow took the entire force. 

I quickly got up, and since the injury was fresh so I didn't feel it at first. But the staff on-site noticed right away. They performed a makeshift remedy that actually helped, and advised me to see a doctor once I got back home. 

That remedy helped me and I forgot the checkup was mandatory, started my practice. I worked on almost everything and waiting for the selection day. 

Trial Day

Big day has arrived! You know the best thing about this game is:

You start with Zero in every match or in every opportunity. 

 Even though I had been selected twice before, I still had to wait in long lines, go through from checkups, and the trial number they provide. Then, I had to stand in a queue right by the net, staying alert to hear my number, and quickly pad up within 8 to 10 minutes to prove myself once more. I was experienced but the hesitation was quite similar before I middled my first ball. This time, I was the last one selected from my zone. I was happy, but my focus was solely on what I wanted to achieve. The internal chant of staying focused echoed louder in my mind than any feeling of excitement. One thing was certain: I knew, without a doubt, that I would play for the team one day....