The locker room was filled with the usual post-training chatter, the air thick with the smell of sweat, sports sprays, and freshly laundered jerseys. It had been a long session, but that didn't stop the boys from finding energy for their favorite pastime—teasing each other.
Advay was calmly untying his shoelaces, paying no attention to the ongoing conversation, when suddenly, Rishabh Pant's voice rang out.
"Alright, boys, serious question—does our dear Mr. Advay have a girlfriend?"
The entire locker room went silent for half a second before erupting into laughter and whistles.
"Oh, now THIS is a discussion worth having," Sarfaraz grinned, leaning forward with interest.
Advay, unfazed, simply glanced up at them with his usual calm expression before going back to removing his gear.
Washington Sundar smirked. "Come on, man, you're smart, rich, AND a cricketer. Don't tell me no one's tried?"
Avesh Khan chuckled. "He probably rejects girls with just a look."
Ishan Kishan leaned against his locker, smirking. "Nah, I think he's secretly dating someone and just keeping it quiet. Look at that poker face."
Rishabh pointed dramatically. "EXACTLY. I mean, bro, you're always so calm. No one can be THAT unbothered unless they have someone special keeping them happy."
Advay sighed, finally speaking. "I don't have a girlfriend."
The room exploded again.
"LIES!" Sarfaraz yelled.
"Impossible." Avesh shook his head.
Washington folded his arms. "Then how come you never react when we tease you? If you were single, you'd at least try to defend yourself."
Advay looked at him and simply said, "I'm just not interested."
The room went silent again before Rishabh dramatically fell backward onto the bench. "This man is built differently."
Ishan sighed. "A heart of stone."
Sarfaraz leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "Wait, wait. What about crushes? You've NEVER liked anyone? Not even a little?"
Advay thought for a moment before replying, "No."
The entire room groaned in frustration.
Rishabh threw up his hands. "I REFUSE to believe this. One day, we're gonna catch you slipping."
Advay smirked slightly, shaking his head as the teasing continued.
Just as the locker room was still filled with laughter and teasing, the door swung open, and in an instant, the noise died down. Conversations were cut short, players who had been slouched on the benches straightened up, and all attention shifted toward the entrance.
The coach walked in, his expression calm but firm, his sharp eyes scanning the group. He didn't have to say a word—the atmosphere had already shifted.
He folded his arms across his chest and let the silence settle before speaking. "Alright, listen up."
The boys exchanged quick glances. Whenever the coach started with those words, it meant something important.
"We have an important tour coming up."
That was enough to make a few players lean forward slightly in anticipation.
"The India U-19 team will be touring New Zealand next month. We'll be playing 3 T20s and 5 ODIs against their U-19 squad."
The moment he finished speaking, a quiet ripple of excitement passed through the group. An overseas tour. A chance to play in foreign conditions. A real test against another top junior side.
Some of the players exchanged excited murmurs. Others, like Advay, simply absorbed the information without reaction, filing it away in their minds.
The coach continued, his voice steady. "This won't be like playing at home. The conditions will be different. New Zealand's pitches offer extra bounce and movement for the fast bowlers. Their players will be used to it—we won't be. Which means our training for the next few weeks will focus on adapting."
His eyes swept over the group before he added, "The squad will be officially announced soon, but everyone here needs to be at their absolute best in training. No slacking off, no laziness—this is your chance to prove you belong on that plane to New Zealand."
The weight of his words settled over the room. This wasn't just another training session or a friendly match. This was an opportunity to represent India on an international stage.
Some players shifted in their seats, already thinking about the competition ahead. For many of them, this was their first chance to experience cricket outside of India.
The coach clapped his hands once, signaling the discussion was over. "That's all for now. Get some rest. We start preparations tomorrow."
Later that night, in their dorm room, Advay, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar were lounging on their beds, still wide awake despite the long day. The overhead fan hummed softly, and the faint sounds of crickets could be heard from outside the open window.
Rishabh stretched out with his hands behind his head, grinning. "New Zealand, huh? Man, that's gonna be fun. I've never played outside India before."
Washington nodded, leaning against the wall. "Yeah, their pitches are gonna be tricky, though. Fast, bouncy tracks—pace bowlers will love it."
Advay, sitting cross-legged on his bed, simply listened as they spoke.
Rishabh turned toward him, smirking. "What about you, bro? You don't look the least bit excited."
Advay glanced at him before replying in his usual calm tone. "I'm looking forward to it."
Washington chuckled. "That's the most emotion we're gonna get out of him, huh?"
Rishabh laughed. "This guy. A whole international tour, and he reacts the same way he would if we told him dinner was ready."
Advay shook his head slightly but said nothing.
Washington tapped his fingers on the mattress. "But yeah, this is going to be big. The selectors will be watching closely, especially with the U-19 World Cup next year."
Rishabh grinned. "Exactly! This is our shot to prove we belong in that squad. We smash New Zealand, and we're set."
Washington turned toward Advay. "You've never played outside India either, right?"
Advay nodded. "No. But conditions won't be a problem."
Rishabh rolled his eyes. "Of course they won't. You probably already have a plan for every pitch, every bowler, every scenario."
Advay didn't deny it.
Washington smirked. "I have a feeling you're going to enjoy this tour more than you're letting on."
Advay simply leaned back against his pillow. "We'll see."
After finishing his conversation with Rishabh and Washington, Advay picked up his phone and dialed home.
A few moments later, Ilana's smiling face appeared on the screen, her emerald-green eyes lighting up as she saw him.
"My love! How are you? Have you eaten?"
Advay smirked slightly. "Yes, Mama. Everything's fine."
The screen shifted as Aditi leaned in, grinning. "Look who finally remembered to call!"
Before Advay could respond, Arjun appeared behind them, arms crossed with a proud but amused expression. "What's this I hear about a New Zealand tour?"
Advay leaned back on his bed, resting his phone against his pillow. "We'll be playing 3 T20s and 5 ODIs against their U-19 team next month."
Ilana's face softened with pride. "Oh, sweetheart, that's incredible!"
Aditi nodded enthusiastically. "So we're all watching, right?"
Arjun chuckled. "Of course. We wouldn't miss it for the world."
Ilana sighed, "I still wish I could come watch in person."
Advay's voice was calm. "It's just an overseas series, Mama. Nothing too special."
Aditi scoffed. "Says the guy who's about to play for India in another country."
Arjun smiled knowingly. "He's just being humble. We know how much this means."
Ilana's expression turned soft again. "Just take care of yourself, alright? Don't overwork yourself too much."
Advay nodded. "I will."
After a little more conversation, some teasing from Aditi, and reassurances from Ilana, they ended the call.
As the screen went black, Advay exhaled slowly, his mind already shifting toward the matches ahead.
The hum of the airplane engines filled the cabin as the India U-19 team settled into their seats, cruising high above the clouds on their way to New Zealand.
It had been a week of intense training, but now, as they finally embarked on their journey, the atmosphere among the players was lighter, filled with excitement and curiosity.
Rishabh Pant, as usual, was the loudest. "Okay, boys, let's talk priorities—what's the first thing we're eating in New Zealand?"
Sarfaraz Khan grinned. "I've heard their steaks are amazing. Gotta try one."
Washington Sundar leaned back in his seat. "I'm more interested in seafood. Fresh fish, oysters, all of it."
Avesh Khan shook his head. "You guys and your food. I want to see the beaches, maybe try some water sports."
Ishan Kishan nodded. "Yeah, I heard there's bungee jumping and skydiving. Anyone up for that?"
Rishabh turned toward Advay, smirking. "What about you, Mr. Ice-Cold? Anything you want to do?"
Advay, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "Just cricket."
The group groaned in unison.
"Oh, come on, man!" Rishabh threw his hands up. "We get it, you're focused, but live a little!"
Washington laughed. "At least tell us if there's something you want to eat."
Advay thought for a second. "Maybe a good steak."
Sarfaraz grinned. "See? Even he has normal human cravings."
Rishabh, still grinning from their food discussion, turned toward Advay again. "Alright, serious question—there's gotta be something else you want to do in New Zealand besides cricket. Come on, hit us with something unexpected."
Advay, leaning back in his seat, glanced out of the airplane window before replying calmly. "I'd like to visit a few villages."
The group blinked in surprise.
"Villages?" Sarfaraz echoed, raising an eyebrow. "Bro, we're going to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and you want to see villages?"
Washington Sundar, ever the curious one, tilted his head. "Why, though?"
Advay shrugged. "New Zealand's countryside is beautiful. The landscapes, the small towns, the peacefulness—I think it would be nice to visit a few."
Ishan Kishan chuckled. "Man, we've got someone with real taste here. While we're all thinking about food and adrenaline rushes, my guy wants scenic beauty."
Avesh Khan smirked. "Next thing you know, he'll tell us he wants to go on a long walk through the mountains with a cup of tea."
Rishabh scoffed. "Knowing him? That wouldn't surprise me at all."
Advay just shook his head slightly, a small smirk forming at the corner of his lips as the conversation shifted again.
The pilot's voice crackled through the speakers, breaking through the hum of the engines.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. The local time is 6:45 AM, and the weather is a cool 16 degrees Celsius. We hope you had a pleasant flight."
As the plane taxied to the gate, the team stretched and gathered their belongings, excitement buzzing in the air. For many, this was their first time in New Zealand—an entirely new experience.
Rishabh let out a dramatic sigh. "Finally! I thought we were gonna be stuck in that plane forever."
Washington chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, let's just hope the jet lag doesn't hit us too hard."
The players began making their way off the plane, stepping into the airport terminal where the crisp New Zealand morning air greeted them. The smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, and the sight of endless green hills beyond the glass windows made it clear—they were far from home.
Team officials guided them through immigration and baggage claim, the process smooth and efficient. Despite the early hour, the energy within the squad remained high.
Once they collected their luggage, they were led outside, where a luxury team bus awaited to take them to their hotel.
As the bus rolled through the streets of Auckland, Rishabh leaned over toward Advay and smirked. "Alright, bro, let's see if those villages of yours are as nice as you say they are."
Advay just looked out the window, observing the wide roads, clean streets, and the mix of modern buildings and greenery. The place had a certain charm, and he already knew—this was going to be an unforgettable tour.
The team bus pulled up in front of the Pullman Auckland Hotel, its sleek, modern facade reflecting the soft glow of the morning sun. The players, still stretching out the stiffness from the long flight, stepped off one by one, taking in their surroundings.
The Pullman was one of the finest hotels in Auckland, known for its world-class service and luxurious suites. The towering structure loomed over them, its glass windows shimmering in the daylight. The entrance was grand, with revolving doors leading into a spacious, elegantly designed lobby that smelled of fresh coffee and warm pastries.
Inside, the team staff efficiently handled the check-in process, speaking to the hotel concierge as the players gathered in the lobby. Some were admiring the beautiful interiors, while others were simply relieved to be off the plane and out of their travel gear.
As the room keys were handed out, Advay took his key card and glanced at it. Room 1207.
He sighed.
Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar. Again.
Before he could even react, Rishabh appeared beside him, slinging an arm around his shoulder.
"Aww, what's with that face, bro? Don't tell me you wanted a private suite or something?" Rishabh teased, his voice laced with amusement.
Washington, carrying his bag, smirked. "Yeah, maybe he thought he'd finally get some peace and quiet."
Advay shook his head, his usual unbothered expression in place. "I should have expected this."
Rishabh grinned. "Come on, man, admit it—you'd miss us if we weren't here."
Advay looked at him for a moment before replying, "I'd survive."
Washington burst out laughing. "Damn, bro. Cold."
As they walked toward the elevators, Rishabh nudged him again. "You know, one day, you're gonna admit that you actually like rooming with us."
Washington chuckled. "Yeah, let's see how long you can hold out before you start enjoying our company."
Advay smirked slightly, shaking his head. "Let's see who survives the week first."
Rishabh gasped dramatically. "He speaks! And he's threatening us!"
Washington clapped his hands. "I like this side of him. Let's keep pushing."
Advay sighed as the elevator doors slid shut. It was going to be a long tour.
The three of them walked into their hotel room, the exhaustion from the long journey finally settling in. Their bags hit the floor with dull thuds as each of them found their own space to unwind.
Advay sat on the edge of his bed, stretching his shoulders. The room was spacious and modern, with large windows that overlooked Auckland's skyline. The soft hum of the air conditioning filled the silence as they took in their new space for the next few weeks.
After a moment, Advay glanced toward the room service menu sitting on the bedside table. A long flight, airport formalities, and check-in—it was no surprise he was hungry. He picked up the menu, scanning through the options.
"I'm ordering something. You guys want anything?" he asked, his tone casual.
Rishabh, who had already thrown himself face-first onto the bed, flipped over in an instant. "Oh, hell yes. I thought you'd never ask."
Washington, still stretching, walked over and leaned in to see the menu. "What do they have?"
Advay quickly listed off the options. "Burgers, fries, club sandwiches, pasta, milkshakes, and some local seafood stuff."
Rishabh rubbed his hands together. "Alright, listen up. We need a massive plate of fries, three burgers, and—no debate—I'm getting a chocolate milkshake."
Washington chuckled. "Make that two chocolate milkshakes."
Advay nodded. "One plate of fries, three burgers, and two chocolate milkshakes…" He paused, "I'll take vanilla."
Rishabh smirked. "Vanilla, huh? Should've guessed. Our guy keeps it classic."
Washington grinned. "Nah, he's just old-school. He probably thinks chocolate is too 'reckless' or something."
Advay didn't bother responding, simply placing the order through the hotel phone.
As soon as he hung up, Rishabh stretched his arms over his head. "So, how much are we paying you?"
Advay raised an eyebrow. "Nothing. The team covers all player expenses on tours. Room service, meals, everything is handled by the board."
Washington blinked. "Wait, so we can just order whatever we want?"
Advay shrugged. "Within reason. They won't approve a ten-course meal or anything, but yeah, food and stay are all covered."
Rishabh sat up excitedly. "Bro, why didn't you tell us this sooner? I would've ordered a feast!"
Advay smirked. "Which is exactly why I didn't tell you sooner."
Washington burst into laughter. "Smart move."
Rishabh shook his head dramatically. "I feel betrayed. All these years of friendship, and this is how you treat me?"
Advay leaned back against the headboard, arms crossed. "You'll survive."
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their banter.
Room service had arrived.
Washington cracked his knuckles. "Time to eat."
Just as Advay, Rishabh, and Washington were about to dig into their food, the room bell rang.
Rishabh groaned. "Bruh, if that's room service again, I swear—"
Washington smirked and got up to open the door. Standing outside were Ishan Kishan, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed, each with mischievous grins plastered on their faces.
"What do you guys want?" Washington asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ishan held up a deck of UNO cards. "We were bored. So, we're here to make sure you guys don't sleep early."
Avesh folded his arms. "And since you guys have the biggest room, this is now the official game zone."
Khaleel grinned. "Also, we smelled food. We're staying."
Rishabh sighed dramatically. "You know what? Fine. But if I lose, I'm flipping the table."
The six of them sat around the small coffee table, munching on their food while playing UNO.
At first, the game started off normally, but soon, the competitiveness kicked in.
"Bro, why are you targeting me?!" Rishabh yelled as Ishan placed a Draw Four on him."It's nothing personal," Ishan smirked. "Okay, maybe it is.""Advay, you've been too quiet. You're scheming something, aren't you?" Khaleel narrowed his eyes.Advay, who had only one card left, simply smirked and placed a Reverse card.Avesh shouted, "NOOOO!" as he was forced to draw six cards.
Laughter filled the room as they played for hours, teasing and trash-talking each other over betrayals, last-minute reversals, and skipped turns.
By the time they finally called it a night, it was well past midnight. One by one, they left, still arguing over who actually won.
As the door finally shut, Rishabh stretched his arms and sighed. "Man, that was fun. We should do this more often."
Washington yawned. "Not if it means dealing with Ishan's evil strategies."
Advay smirked slightly as he placed his cards aside. "At least now you know not to trust anyone in UNO."
With that, the three of them finally settled into bed, the exhaustion from travel finally catching up to them. The first night in New Zealand had been a chaotic but memorable one.
The next morning, the peace in the room was shattered by loud knocking and an all-too-familiar voice.
"WAKE UP, YOU LAZY PEOPLE! TRAINING DAY!"
Rishabh groaned, burying his face into his pillow. "No. Five more minutes."
Washington grumbled, "Who the hell gave Ishan this much energy in the morning?"
Advay, already half awake, sat up and glanced toward the door, unfazed.
The knocking didn't stop.
"I KNOW YOU GUYS ARE AWAKE. OPEN UP!"
Washington sighed, dragging himself out of bed and swinging the door open.
Ishan Kishan stood there, fully dressed in his training gear, grinning like an overexcited child. Behind him, a few other players were walking down the hallway, headed toward breakfast.
"Come on, move it! We have training at Eden Park today!" Ishan clapped his hands.
Rishabh groaned again. "Bro, let us wake up in peace. Why are you like this?"
Ishan smirked. "Because I like annoying you. Now hurry up!"
With that, he left, moving on to wake up the next set of unfortunate teammates.
Washington stretched, yawning. "Guess we better get moving."
Advay, already grabbing his training gear, simply nodded. "Let's go."
Within the hour, the entire team was ready, dressed in their India U-19 training kits. After a quick breakfast, they boarded the team bus, heading toward Eden Park Stadium.
The training session at Eden Park Stadium had an energetic atmosphere, with players jogging around the field, tossing banter at one another, and getting into the rhythm of the session.
Rishabh Pant, as always, was the loudest. "Bhai, I swear if I have to do another lap, I'm sitting out of batting!"
Ishan Kishan laughed. "Yeah, yeah, until the coach calls you in. Then you'll be the first one to pick up the bat."
Meanwhile, Advay was jogging alongside Washington Sundar, quietly listening to the back-and-forth.
"You're too quiet," Washington said, nudging him. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing. Just focused."
Washington chuckled. "Classic. But man, this place is insane. Feels unreal to train in a stadium like this."
As they finished their warm-up, the team split into groups—some heading to fielding drills, others to the nets.
In the nets, Avesh Khan ran in, bowling quick bouncers, while Sarfaraz Khan and Ishan tried pulling them for boundaries.
"Oye, Avesh! You're not playing an actual match, calm down!" Sarfaraz complained after getting hit on the gloves.
Avesh smirked. "Better get used to it now before the real games start."
On the other side, Rishabh was batting against Washington's off-spin. The moment Washington floated one in too full, Rishabh stepped out and smashed it into the stands.
"AND THAT, BOYS, IS WHY I'M THE BEST!" Rishabh declared, twirling his bat.
"Shut up and bat properly!" Washington called out, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, in the outfield, the fielding drills were just as intense. Diving catches, sharp throws, and quick reflex drills kept everyone on their toes. Advay, ever the perfectionist, took every attempt seriously, throwing with pinpoint accuracy.
As the session went on, the teasing, laughter, and competitive fire never faded. Despite the hard work, the camaraderie in the squad was evident.
This wasn't just a team. It was a brotherhood.