The next morning, light sneaked through Mak's window, casting a warm glow across his room. He stretched and yawned, his mind racing through the team announcements, practice, and the promise of a friendly match against Riverdale High soon to come. His veins throbbed with excitement.
He quickly dressed in his school uniform, the crisp fabric reminding him of the journey he was on. The stairs led him down to the kitchen, where the delicious smell of breakfast wafted through the air.
"Morning, Mak!" A bright smile greeted him as his mother, Angali, flipped a dosa on the griddle. "Are you ready for today?"
Mak sat down at the kitchen table, his nervous energy trying to stay hidden. "I guess so." He grabbed a plate, loading it with a hot, crispy masala dosa. "Just can't stop thinking about the team announcement today."
Angali's smile faded slightly as she placed a bowl of chutney next to him, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you were chosen at the trials. Why is there another announcement?"
The question hung in the air. Mak paused, chewing slowly as he formulated a response. "It's just a final confirmation after practice. I think they want to see everyone at their best before they put the lineup together," he said, not entirely sure if that was the right explanation.
She stood against the counter, arms crossed, examining him. " I just don't want you to be disappointed if it doesn't go as you hoped."
Looking her straight in the eyes, he replied, "Mom, it's not about that. I just want to be part of the team and do my best. I can't afford to slip now, especially with the tournament coming up."
Softening her stance, she sighed. "I understand. Just know we are proud of you. No matter what happens today, you've come a long way."
Warmth swelled in his chest. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it." The spices filled his mouth as he took another bite.
Angali chewed thoughtfully before adding, "By the way, your dad called, he has reached Hyderabad on yesterday night. He asked me to tell you good luck"
"Thank him for me Mom." Mak resolved to call his father after practice, feeling both worry and pride for his dad's work.
Angali glanced at the clock on the wall. "Finish up, or you'll be late for school," she urged.
Mak quickly polished off his breakfast, rinsed his plate, and said goodbye to his mother. He grabbed his cricket gear, slung it over his shoulder, and stepped out the door.
The morning bustle of students chatting, distant honking of cars, and chirping of birds filled his walk to St. Xavier's. He spotted Raghav waiting on the other side of the gates, his eyes wide with excitement as Mak approached.
"Hey, Mak!" Raghav jogged over. "Ready for the big day?"
Mak shrugged, adrenaline pumping through him, but he tried to keep a nonchalant expression. "As ready as I'll ever be."
A small bit of worry dissipated from Raghav's voice. "Let's just hope we both make the final team."
"I've been expecting you to pull through. You've been playing really well lately," Mak replied, feeling his own determination rise.
Together, they entered the school building, merging into the crowd of students heading to class. The tension increased with every tick of the clock; the morning classes seemed to drag. Math and Science lessons blurred together, but Mak's mind kept returning to cricket—the practice, the match, and the decisions that could do or undo everything.
When the bell rang for lunch, Aisha ,Raghav and Mak went towards the cafeteria.
"Hey, you two!" Her cheerful voice punctuated the hallway. "How was the morning?"
Raghav remarked that it was long and boring. "We're just trying to get to the point where we can play."
Aisha chuckled, her energy infectious. "Just building up anticipation, I guess. You both are going to do great today."
They reached the cafeteria and loaded their trays with food. Mak settled into their usual table, feeling a strange sense of calm envelop him. The atmosphere lightened, laughter and chatter surrounding them as Aisha animatedly discussed her classes.
"Are you guys ready for the match?" Aisha asked. "You've got my support from the sidelines!" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"Thanks, Aisha. That means a lot but we have to be selected first to play in the match," Mak replied, grateful for her encouragement.
They continued chatting, sharing light banter, but Mak's thoughts kept drifting to the upcoming practice. He was determined to be part of the team that would take on Riverdale High.
The second half of the school day dragged on, anticipation thick in the air. When the final bell rang, Mak and Raghav raced to the cricket field, excitement bubbling inside them. The sun was high, and players were already warming up, stretching and jogging.
Coach Ranjan was on the field, clipboard in hand, while Coach Neel paced around the players, occasionally glancing over at them. The atmosphere crackled with energy, the gravity of the moment palpable. Mak knew he had to give it his all; this practice would determine the final team lineup.
As practice got underway, Mak's instincts kicked in. Every ball delivered to him felt right; he responded with a precision he hadn't realized he was capable of. The dream from the night before was vivid, fueling his confidence. He could sense Coach Ranjan's approval as he successfully executed every shot.
Raghav was having a good time too, showing skill as he played as a batsman. They worked like a well-oiled machine, shouting encouragement to each other as they raced between the wickets.
"Nice shot!" Raghav cheered as Mak hit a gorgeous cover drive.
"It's time to keep this momentum going," Mak replied, energized.
After practice, the team gathered in a quick huddle, Coach Ranjan's expression serious. "This is it, everyone.
The collective focus sharpened around him. Coach Neel observed the players' performances, taking notes and glancing at Coach Ranjan.
Tension filled the air as the players gathered around Coach Ranjan and Coach Neel after practice.
"Alright, listen up everyone," Coach Ranjan began, looking at the clipboard in his hand. "Today's practice was key in determining the team for the friendly match against Riverdale High this Thursday. First, I want to thank all of you for your hard work. Here's the Playing XI."
Excitement and nervousness mingled in Mak's chest.
"Opening the batting will be Raghav and Vikram," Coach Ranjan announced, and a wave of cheers rippled through the group.
"Following them at number three is Mak!" he continued, and Mak's heart soared at the sound of his name.
The coach continued announcing the batting order:
1. Vikram (Batsman, 3rd Year)
2. Raghav (Batsman, 1st Year)
3. Mak (Wicket-Keeper/Batsman, 1st Year)
4. Yash (All-Rounder, 1st Year)
5. Nikhil (Batsman, 2nd Year)
6. Karan (All-Rounder, 3rd Year)
7. Dhruv (All-Rounder, 1st Year)
8. Rohit (Bowler, 2nd Year)
9. Ishan (Bowler, 3rd Year)
10. Sameer (Captain, Bowler, 3rd Year)
11. Aarav (Bowler, 2nd 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)
"Great work, all of you!" Coach Ranjan clapped his hands as the team broke into cheers.
Raghav and Mak exchanged glances, grinning widely. They were officially part of the lineup.
"Can you believe it? We made it!" Raghav exclaimed, unable to contain his joy.
Mak chuckled, adrenaline surging through him. "That's just the beginning, man. We've got to perform now."
The initial excitement began to wane as the coaches recalled about the lineup decisions made by them after the practice session yesterday.
During their meeting, Coach Neel crossed his arms tightly over his chest. "Ranjan, I think we made the right call with Mak at number three. He's performed extremely well throughout the trials and practice. We need someone to steady the middle order, and I think he can do that."
Coach Ranjan nodded, his expression serious as he reviewed his notes. "I initially considered putting him at number four or five. However, after seeing him perform in practice, especially yesterday, I realized he can handle the new ball and build partnerships with our openers."
"Exactly," Coach Neel leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Mak's technique is sound, and he has a good temperament. He takes his time, waits for the right balls to play his shots. He doesn't rush his innings, which is crucial for a number three batsman."
Ranjan scribbled something on his notepad, looking up thoughtfully. "Absolutely. Plus, he can also rotate the strike—something vital for building partnerships. We need someone to anchor the middle order, and Mak fits that role."
Neel continued, "Speaking of Raghav and Vikram, I'm confident they will lay a solid foundation for us. Vikram has been opening the innings since last year, his experience is invaluable. He knows how to build that start and pace his innings. Having him there will not only help Raghav settle into his role but also provide stability against an aggressive bowling attack."
At the mention of Vikram, Ranjan's face had brightened. "Exactly! On the field, he has a cool demeanor that has the rest of the players on the same page. Vikram has a good head on his shoulders, he's seen enough matches to know when to attack and when to defend. I know he will help Raghav get settled into his role."
Neel had moved on to the bowling lineup as they continued their discussion. "We have to have a strong attack to put pressure on Riverdale." I'm 100 percent sure that Aarav and Ishan will do a great job in leading from the front. The new ball is the perfect ball for them because it is such consistent performances in practice."
Ranjan had nodded, thoughtful. "We think they both have the ability to take early wickets and that will be important for our strategy ,Both of them can really unsettle the opposition early on, and both have the skill set to do that"
"Plus we've got Rohit coming in at the end so we've got that mix of pace and spin." Coach Neel had added, confidence growing in their plans: 'He can bowl in the middle overs and his slower balls could be particularly effective if we can build pressure.'
Pride had been in Ranjan's voice when he had said, and let's not forget Sameer, He's worked hard and earned his position as captain ,His experience will be very important because he'll be able to make important strategic decisions during the match."
"Exactly," Coach Neel had agreed, enthusiasm filling the room. "He knows the players' strengths and weaknesses better than anyone, and that understanding will be essential during critical moments. I trust him to lead the team effectively."
Ranjan was tapping his pen against his clipboard as he proceeded, "And though there was some deliberation over the batting order, I think we also need to discuss fielding positions. We should ensure we have our best fielders in key positions to support our bowlers. A few dropped catches could change the course of the game."
"Absolutely, fielding can make or break us," Neel had agreed. "We must be sharp and agile in the field, particularly against a team like Riverdale- with their notorious aggressive running between the wickets."
The moment of silence was shared between both coaches as they contemplated their strategy. Both knew that the decisions they reached during these discussions could make all the difference in their team's performance. This lineup wasn't just a list of names; it was a scheme to connive the potentials of all players, making maximum output with minimum weaknesses.
"Now, about Mak's position," Neel had said, a reflective look crossing his face. "We will reassess his spot after the friendly match. If he did well at number three, we could solidify that position henceforth. But if he didn't do well, we'll have to juggle things around."
Ranjan had nodded in agreement. "That sounds fair. We've seen some brilliance from him, but a match is a different challenge altogether. I want to see how he handles real-game pressure."
"I think he'll rise to the occasion," Neel had said, leaning back in his chair. "He has that drive in him, and I believe he will surprise us all. Lets hope the boys keep their focus and have faith in each other. If they keep their cool, we will see a good performance."
Coming back to the present moment, Mak stood amidst his teammates as they celebrated their selections. A chance had finally been thrown his way, and he was sure he was going to make the most of it.
"Alright, Everyone, get back to business," Coach Ranjan said, interrupting through the chatter. " Let's make sure we're prepared for everything against Riverdale."
The players dismissed and went their separate ways, determined to immerse themselves in the practice drills and add more polish to their skills before the match. Mak felt a wave of determination as he picked up his bat, ready to rise to the challenge ahead. He had a role to play, a position that needed to be better cemented, and with friends and coaches alike in support, he was ready to give it his all.
The more he practiced, the precision in shots became almost instinctive and rhythmic to him. He could envision the match day-playing at the crease with great surety, building excellent partnerships with his peers. That dream stayed in his psyche, like the 'deja vu', of what was possible and how much better that could get with hard work and determination.
Finally, practice concluded with the sun setting and shining like gold out onto the field. This was it, the friendly match against Riverdale High was looming near, and he knew every moment from now until then would count.
He gathered his things, high-fived Raghav, and exchanged words of motivation with the other players on the team. The spirit among the teammates was at an all-time high-something so contagious that it urged him forward.
As they walked off the field together, Raghav flashed him a wide grin: "You ready for this, Mak? It's our time to show everyone what we got!"
Mak nodded, a determined smile breaking across his face. "Absolutely. Let's show them what we've got!"