Chapter 31: Chapter 31: First Training Session
I rose with the sun this morning after requesting an early wake-up call from the hotel reception. Despite my love for a good snooze, I couldn't shake the excitement for the day ahead.
My tendency to oversleep has even caused me to miss morning training sessions during my time on the Ranji cricket team. But not today! I was wide awake and ready to take on the day.
Waking up early paid off as housekeeping arrived with my team uniform, freshly pressed and ready to wear. I eagerly got dressed, eager to see what challenges and opportunities the day would bring.
The crisp BCCI logo on my tracksuit, t-shirt, and pants filled me with a sense of pride as I held them in my hands. I couldn't help but admire the emblem for a full minute, feeling grateful for the privilege to represent the Board of Control for Cricket in India. These clothes were more than just fabric - they symbolized my hard work and dedication to the sport.
After a quick shower, I quickly slipped into my team uniform. Standing in front of the dressing table, I took a moment to admire my reflection. I was ready. All the excitement and determination I felt was written all over my face. My training was calling and I was eager to get started.
As the rest of the team got ready, we all gathered for breakfast. While some opted for a lighter meal, others, like Yuvraj Singh, Virendra Sehwag, Suresh Raina, and I, indulged in a hearty breakfast to fuel our bodies for the intense training session ahead. The atmosphere was lively and filled with camaraderie as we all sat together, chatting and laughing while enjoying our food.
Being an early riser and knowing the intense training ahead, I made sure to fuel up with a hearty breakfast. A fluffy aloo paratha paired with a steaming cup of tea set the tone for a successful day. I needed my carbs to keep me going and couldn't wait until lunchtime. My love for a good breakfast was unmatched.
It was a relief that no one made a fuss about my love for a good breakfast, except for a few chuckles from Sachin Tendulkar himself. He simply encouraged me to eat my fill and enjoy my meal.
After indulging in a hearty breakfast, we embarked on a leisurely walk towards the bus. I was pleasantly surprised when Sachin Paaji beckoned me over to share his seat with him. During our journey, I engaged in a lively conversation with him.
I asked about the giggles everyone had in the morning and was fascinated by his response. He explained that bowlers need to be careful of what they eat before training or an actual play, as an upset stomach, often caused by running after having a heavy breakfast,can often impede their performance on the field. It was an insightful chat that added to my understanding of the game
The journey came to an end as we arrived at the Wankhede Stadium. As I stepped inside, my heart raced with thrill and excitement. At just 16 years old, I had achieved the remarkable feat of joining the senior Indian cricket team.
I was renowned for my versatile skills as an all-rounder, excelling in both bowling and batting. The thought of playing on such a prestigious ground filled me with a sense of pride and determination
The Wankhede Stadium was buzzing with activity as the ground was set with nets and a plentiful supply of bats and balls. It was time to warm up and I sprang into action. I kicked off with some jumping jacks, followed by some side lunges, and stretched my body to ensure I was ready for the game.
As I continued my warm-ups, I spotted Rahul Dravid and offered to assist him with his stretching. Before long, the coaches for bowling, batting, and fielding arrived, adding to the excitement in the air.
The bowling coach approached Sachin with a grin and said, "Hey, Sachin. How about testing the newbie's skills?" Sachin politely declined, saying, "I'll leave that to Yuvraj. He's more than capable of assessing the new player's abilities." I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement at the thought of being evaluated by one of the greats of Indian cricket
Yuvraj Singh confidently stepped forward, bat in hand and helmet on head, declaring, "I am ready to take him on."
The coach gestured to me, saying, "Here you go, show me what you've got. I want to see your best effort. If you impress me today, we might consider using you as one of our main bowlers." I felt a rush of adrenaline as I took my position and prepared to deliver my best performance.
The coach added with a nonchalant tone, "By the way, we'll be measuring your speed too. This will give us a better idea of your capabilities and help us make informed decisions."
I was eager to see just how fast I was, as I had always heard that my speed was exceptional but had never received an official measurement.
My nerves were starting to get the best of me. I had bowled plenty of overs in the past, but most of my opponents were close to my own age and lacked experience.
I had faced a few senior players during my time in the under-19 league, but only for a couple of overs. This was a whole different level of challenge.
I reminded myself to focus, take deep breaths, and give it my all. This was my moment to prove myself and I was determined to make the most of it.
With my nerves under control, I took my stance, took a deep breath, and began my delivery. I focused on my technique and put all my effort into each and every ball.
I took a few extra steps in my run-up, determined to reach my peak speed. The coach had set up a speedometer near the nets, adding to the pressure, but I was confident in my abilities.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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