The school courtyard was already buzzing with the usual morning energy as Mak and Raghav walked through the gates of St. Xavier's High School. Though they tried to focus on the day ahead, the anticipation of the cricket team announcement loomed over their heads. Today was the day they would know their fate, but it wouldn't be until practice time later in the day. For now, they had to sit through a long stretch of classes, their nerves simmering under the surface.
As they made their way to their classroom, Raghav glanced over at Mak, who was uncharacteristically quiet. "Nervous?" he asked, nudging him lightly.
Mak gave a small smile. "A bit. More anxious than nervous, I think."
"Same," Raghav admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But we did everything we could in the trials. We have to trust that."
They reached the classroom and took their usual seats. A few other boys from the trials were scattered around the room, each looking as distracted as Mak felt. His gaze drifted toward the clock, and the minutes seemed to drag painfully slow.
The first lesson of the day was math, and although Mak knew he should pay attention—especially since it was his weakest subject—his thoughts kept wandering back to the trials. The weight of the wicket-keeping test, the precision required in the batting drills, the pressure of the fielding—all of it replayed in his head on a loop. He glanced at Raghav, who was scribbling half-hearted notes, and smiled inwardly. At least he wasn't alone in his distraction.
As the morning passed, the tension in the air grew thicker. Every time they crossed paths with a fellow cricket trialist in the hallways, there was an unspoken understanding—a shared tension. By lunchtime, the entire group of boys seemed to gravitate toward each other, their conversation circling endlessly around the trials and the upcoming announcement.
"Do you think Mr. Ranjan will announce the results right away during practice?" one boy, Aditya, asked nervously, picking at his food.
"He has to," said Vikram, a confident third-year who hadn't needed to take the trials. "It'll be the first thing he does. No point in dragging it out."
Vikram, like a few of the other seniors, had already secured his place in the team last year. The trials had been for the new recruits and those aiming for starter positions among second and third year who were last year team substitutes. As Mak listened to the older boys, he felt a strange mix of responsibility and pressure. On one hand, the fact that they have to compete with those seniors was a huge pressure, but on the other, it meant they were filling big shoes.
"Raghav leaned in toward Mak as the others continued to speculate. 'You know, Vikram, Sameer, and Ishan are all third-years. They were already on the team, so their spots are secure. However, those who were substitutes had taken the yesterday's trial.'
Mak nodded. "Yeah, I heard the same. And Sameer's going to be captain for sure. No surprise there."
"Right," Raghav agreed. "But the real question is how many first-years made it. Besides us, I mean."
Mak's stomach twisted at that. Sure, he and Raghav had done well in the trials, but the competition had been fierce. There were others—second-year students and even some impressive first-years who had shown incredible talent.
As lunchtime ended, the boys went their separate ways, but Mak's mind was now buzzing more intensely. A few more hours of class lay between them and the announcement, and they seemed to stretch on forever. Finally, when the last bell rang and their school day came to an end, Mak and Raghav headed straight for the locker rooms.
The cricket field, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, awaited them. The rest of the team slowly gathered, all wearing the same mix of excitement and nerves. Mak spotted the seniors who had already made the team, standing off to the side with a more relaxed air. Vikram, Sameer, and Ishan exchanged easy banter, their familiarity with each other evident. Of course, there were other third-years who were nervous about the results.
The younger boys, though, clustered together, exchanging tense glances. A mix of first-years and second-years, all waiting for their fate. Among them was Yash, a first-year all-rounder who had performed particularly well during the trials, and Dhruv, another first-year who had shown great promise as an all-rounder. Mak had noticed both of them during the trials and had a feeling that they, too, might be selected.
Mr. Ranjan arrived right on time, clipboard in hand, as expected. His presence immediately silenced the group. His usual no-nonsense demeanor gave nothing away as he cleared his throat to speak.
"Before we get into practice, I know you're all eager to hear the team results. I'll keep this short." His sharp gaze swept across the boys, pausing on each of them for a brief second, as if weighing their potential one last time. "Many of our senior players graduated, which has left open spots. Those who have been selected earned their places through hard work and performance during the trials. This is just the beginning. The real test begins now."
He pinned the list on the board, and the boys surged forward. Mak, heart pounding, held back for a moment before stepping closer with Raghav by his side.
Selected Team for the Inter-School Cricket Championship: Starting XI:
1. Sameer (Captain, Bowler, 3rd Year)
2. Raghav (Batsman, 1st Year)
3. Mak (Wicket-Keeper/Batsman, 1st Year)
4. Yash (All-Rounder, 1st Year)
5. Aarav (Bowler, 2nd Year)
6. Vikram (Batsman, 3rd Year)
7. Ishan (Bowler, 3rd Year)
8. Nikhil (Batsman, 2nd Year)
9. Karan (All-Rounder, 3rd Year)
10. Rohit (Bowler, 2nd Year)
11. Dhruv (All-Rounder, 1st Year)
Substitutes: 12. Aditya (Bowler, 2nd Year) 13. Manav (Batsman, 2nd Year) 14. Siddharth (Bowler, 1st Year) 15. Harsh (Batsman/Wicket-Keeper, 2nd Year) 16. Om (All-Rounder, 3rd Year)
Mak's name jumped out at him from the list. Wicket-keeper. He had made it. Relief, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of pride surged through him. Raghav clapped him on the back, grinning widely. "We did it, Mak!"
"We did," Mak breathed, still taking it all in.
As the initial wave of excitement washed over Mak, he couldn't help but notice the contrasting expressions around him. For every beaming face like his and Raghav's, there was another marked by disappointment. Some of the boys who hadn't made the starting XI stood silently, their eyes scanning the list repeatedly as if hoping their names might appear upon a second glance. Others tried to mask their feelings, offering forced smiles and half-hearted congratulations to those who had made it.
Aditya, who had been named as a substitute bowler, stared at the list with clenched fists. Mak had seen him bowl during the trials—he was good, really good. But with Aarav, Rohit, Sameer and Ishan securing their spots as starting bowlers, there hadn't been enough room. Aditya wasn't alone in his frustration. Manav, another second-year batsman, was also on the substitutes list. His shoulders slumped as he scanned the names again, as if hoping there had been a mistake, and there was Harsh as well another second-year batsman and the substitute wicket-keeper who was aiming for a starter position.
Then there were those like Rajat and Pranav, first-years who hadn't made the team at all. They stood at the edge of the group, trying to mask their disappointment, but the way Rajat's jaw tightened gave him away. They had trained hard, dreaming of a spot in the team, but the harsh reality of competition was sinking in.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ranjan stepped forward, sensing the mixed emotions within the group. His eyes softened ever so slightly as he addressed the boys. "I know that not everyone is happy with where they stand today," he began. "Some of you were aiming for the starting XI and didn't quite make it. Others may feel uncertain about being substitutes. But I want you all to understand something important, Not everyone can make into the starting XI, but that doesn't mean you didn't perform well."
He paused, ensuring he had everyone's attention. "Cricket is a team sport, and every single player contributes to the team's success, whether you're on the field or supporting from the sidelines. The substitutes are not just backups; you are integral to our strategy. Injuries happen, forms fluctuate, and opportunities can arise at any moment. Your dedication in practice can make the difference when your time comes."
The boys on the substitutes list nodded, though the disappointment still lingered on their faces. Mr. Ranjan's words were meant to encourage them, but it wasn't easy to hear.
"And for those of you who didn't make the team this time," Mr. Ranjan continued, his gaze shifting to Rajat, Pranav, and the others, "I don't want you to give up. You're young, and this is just the team for the Inter-School Cricket Championship. There will be more opportunities and other tournaments in the future. Use this as motivation to improve. Work on your weaknesses, sharpen your skills, and come back stronger next time. I'll be keeping an eye on all of you."
The coach's words seemed to breathe new life into those who were disheartened. There was a collective shift in the atmosphere—a renewed sense of purpose. Mr. Ranjan wasn't one to give empty praise; his acknowledgment meant there was genuine belief in their potential.
"Remember," he went on, "selection is not permanent. Your performance in practice and dedication to improvement are what will secure your place on the team. I expect everyone, starters and substitutes alike, to give their all."
Mak felt the weight of the coach's words. He realized that making the starting XI was just the first hurdle. Maintaining that position would require continuous effort. The thought was both daunting and motivating.
As the team moved onto the field for their first practice session, Mak noticed a determined look on Harsh's face. The second-year wicket-keeper was already working on drills, his movements sharp and focused. Aditya was in deep conversation with Aarav and Rohit, discussing bowling techniques. The shared commitment to improvement was evident across the team.
Sameer, the captain, gathered everyone in a huddle. His voice carried the authority befitting a third-year leader. "I want to echo what Mr. Ranjan said. We're a team—every single one of us. Let's support each other and push ourselves to be better. We've got two weeks until the Inter-School Cricket Championship begins. Let's make every practice count."
The practice commenced with vigor. The nets were alive with the sounds of leather on willow, the thud of balls hitting pads, and the occasional cheer for a well-played shot or a precise delivery. Mak immersed himself in the wicket-keeping drills, fully aware of Harsh practicing diligently nearby. Rather than seeing him as just competition, Mak approached him between drills.
"Harsh, want to work on some catching drills together?" Mak offered.
Harsh looked surprised but nodded eagerly. "Sure!"
They began tossing high catches to each other, gradually increasing the difficulty. As they worked, Mak realized that collaborating not only helped Harsh but also pushed him to refine his own skills. They exchanged tips, pointed out areas for improvement, and encouraged one another.
Raghav, batting in the adjacent net, noticed their cooperative effort and smiled. During a short break, he walked over to Mak. "It's good to see you guys pushing each other," he remarked, taking a swig of water.
Mak wiped the sweat from his brow. "We're teammates. If we help each other get better, the whole team benefits."
"Exactly," Raghav agreed, his eyes scanning the field. "By the way, have you had a chance to meet Dhruv, Siddharth, and Yash properly? They're first-years too."
Mak turned his gaze toward the two all-rounders, currently locked in an intense batting session against the bowlers. "Not really. They seem pretty skilled, though."
"Come on, let's introduce ourselves during the next break," Raghav suggested, a grin spreading across his face.
When the opportunity arose, Mak and Raghav made their way over to Dhruv, Yash, and Siddharth, who had just finished their session. "Hey, great batting out there!" Mak said, genuine admiration in his voice.
"Thanks!" Yash replied, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. "You guys are Mak and Raghav, right? Congrats on making the team!"
"Same to you both," Raghav chimed in. "It's awesome to see more first-years on the squad. We should definitely stick together."
Siddharth, who had been quiet until now, added, "Yeah, it's great to meet you guys. We're all in this together, and it helps to know we have each other's backs."
Dhruv nodded in agreement, his expression serious but encouraging. "Absolutely. We may be new, but if we support one another, we can make a real impact on the team."
As practice continued, the camaraderie among the team members grew. The initial divisions between starters and substitutes began to blur as everyone worked towards a common goal. The seniors, like Sameer and Vikram, offered guidance to the younger players, sharing insights from their years of experience.
At the end of the grueling practice session, Mr. Ranjan called the team together once more. His gaze was stern but carried a hint of approval. "Good work today. I saw effort from all of you, which is exactly what we need. Remember, talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
He paused before adding, "I also want to commend those who didn't make the starting XI but showed resilience and dedication today. Keep that up. Your time will come."
As the team dispersed, Mak felt a sense of unity that hadn't been there before. The initial excitement of making the team was now complemented by a deeper understanding of what it meant to be part of it. He realized that success wouldn't just be measured by individual performances but by how well they could come together as a cohesive unit.
Walking home with Raghav, Mak reflected on the day's events. "You know, I was so focused on making the team that I didn't think about what it would be like afterward."
Raghav glanced at him curiously. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I was just thinking about myself—whether I'd get in or not. But seeing how everyone reacted today, especially those who didn't make the starting XI, it really hit me. Some of those guys were genuinely good players, and I could see the disappointment etched on their faces. It made me realize that every single one of us had worked hard to be here.
Raghav nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I felt the same. It's not just about us anymore. We've got a responsibility to each other now."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while before Raghav grinned mischievously. "So, ready for another round of math homework tonight?"
Mak groaned playfully. "Don't remind me. After all that, my brain is fried."
"Hey, if we can handle Mr. Ranjan's practice sessions, we can tackle a few math problems," Raghav encouraged.
"Fair point," Mak conceded. "Maybe we should get together to study. Two heads are better than one, right?"
"Absolutely," Raghav agreed. "Plus, we need to keep our grades up if we want to stay on the team."
As they parted ways, Mak felt a renewed sense of purpose. The day had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but he was ending it with optimism. There were challenges ahead—both on the field and in the classroom—but with friends like Raghav and a supportive team environment, he felt ready to face them.
At home, Mak shared the news with his family over dinner. His parents beamed with pride, and even his usually teasing younger sister offered a genuine "Congrats, big brother." His father reminded him of the importance of balancing sports with academics.
"I know, Dad," Mak assured him. "I'll make sure to stay on top of my studies."
"Good," his father replied, his eyes warm. "We're proud of you, but remember that this is just the beginning."
As Mak prepared for bed that night, he reflected on the day's events. The initial joy of making the team had evolved into a deeper understanding of responsibility and teamwork. He knew that there would be hurdles ahead—tough opponents, intense practices, and the ever-present challenge of academics—but for now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.
Staring at the ceiling, he made a silent vow to himself: to not only be a valuable player but also a supportive teammate. The journey ahead was long, but with determination and unity, he believed they could achieve greatness.