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The gleaming red and white studio of Aaj Tak was charged with enough electricity to power a small city. The graphics on the giant LED screens behind the anchor were screaming in bold fonts: "KOHLI: IN OR OUT?", "YOUNG INDIA VS EXPERIENCE", and "TEAM SELECTION ON 16TH OCT".
It was Prime Time. The entire nation was watching. The T20 World Cup in Australia was weeks away. India, the defending champions, had a title to defend. But the road to selection was paved with controversy, ego, and statistics.
Dweta Singh, the seasoned anchor, looked at the camera with the gravity of someone announcing a national emergency.
"Namaskar. Swagat hai aapka. The date is set. In 48 hours, the BCCI selectors will announce the 15 men who will fly to Australia to defend our World Cup crown. But tonight, the biggest question in Indian cricket isn't about who will win; it is about who will play."
She turned to her panel a gathering of cricketing royalty that could intimidate any selector.
Gautam Gambhir: The intense, no-nonsense winner.
Sanjay Manjrekar: The analyst who trusted data over emotion.
Aakash Chopra: The articulate voice of reason (mostly).
Kris Srikkanth (Cheeka): The former chief selector, loud and fearless.
Sunil Gavaskar: The Little Master, the voice of tradition.
Ravi Shastri: The former coach, the booming voice of authority.
Sweta Singh: "Let's start with the easy part before we get to the war. Is there any name that is the first on the sheet? Even before the Captain?"
The panel answered almost in unison. "Aarav Pathak."
Aakash Chopra: "Without a doubt, Sweta. Look, Rohit Sharma is the Captain, but Aarav Pathak is the engine of this team. He is the Vice-Captain across all formats now. And his record in Australia? He loves pace and bounce. He is the Player of the Last Tournament. You don't just pick him; you build the team around him."
Ravi Shastri: "I was there in the dressing room in 2021. What that boy did... averaging 494 in a World Cup? Taking 18 wickets? That is freakish. He is the MVP. If Aarav Pathak is fit, he plays. Simple."
Sanjay Manjrekar: "The data supports it too. His strike rate in overs 7-15 is the highest in the world. He doesn't let the game drift. He is the modern T20 player prototype."
Sweta Singh: "Okay, so Aarav is locked. But that brings us to the problem. Aarav's best position. In the IPL, for Gujarat Titans, he bats at Number 3. He destroys teams at Number 3. But in India... Number 3 belongs to the King. Or does it?"
The silence in the studio was heavy. The elephant had entered the room.
Sweta Singh: "Gautam, I'll come to you first. You have been vocal about 'Form over Reputation'. Virat Kohli scored that century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, but before that... it was a struggle. Is he a certainty for Australia?"
Gautam Gambhir leaned forward, his face set in a grim line. "Sweta, let's be honest. One century against Afghanistan doesn't erase two years of struggle in T20s. We are going to a World Cup. It is not a place for players to 'find form'. It is a place to win."
He pointed a finger at the screen showing Kohli's stats. "What is the template of modern T20 cricket? Aggression from ball one. Look at England. Look at Australia. They don't have anchors; they have destroyers. If your Number 3 consumes 10 balls to get set, you are putting pressure on the lower order. You are putting pressure on Surya, on Hardik, on Aarav."
Aakash Chopra: "But Gautam, Virat has won us matches single-handedly..."
Gautam Gambhir (Interrupting): "Past tense, Aakash. Has won. We respect that. But look at Deepak Hooda. Look at his intent against Ireland. He hit a century at a strike rate of 170. He didn't take time. He attacked. If Aarav loves Number 3, why are we forcing our best player to bat at 4 just to accommodate a senior player who is slowing down?"
Sanjay Manjrekar nodded, adjusting his glasses. "I have to agree with Gautam here. It's about matchups. In Australia, the grounds are big. You need power. Virat's game against spin in the middle overs has declined. The data shows his strike rate drops below 110 against leg-spin. If teams bowl spin at him, he gets stuck. Aarav Pathak, on the other hand, murders spin. If you play Aarav at 3, you maximize your best asset. If you play Virat at 3, you are playing for safety, not for a win."
Kris Srikkanth waved his hands excitedly. "Arey, listen to me! I was a selector. You have to be brave! You cannot carry baggage! If Hooda is hitting the ball better, pick Hooda! Why are we scared? Because he is Virat Kohli? The game is bigger than the name! Drop the sacred cows if they don't give milk!"
Sweta Singh: "Strong words. 'Sacred cows'. Sunny Sir, you are shaking your head."
Sunil Gavaskar looked at the panel with the calmness of a man who had faced the West Indies pace quartet without a helmet. "I am shaking my head because memories are short. You don't drop big-match players for a World Cup. The pressure of a World Cup game against Pakistan at the MCG... it is not the same as playing Ireland in Dublin. When the stadium is screaming, when the ball is swinging... you need experience. You need temperament. Deepak Hooda is a fine talent, but has he faced Shaheen Afridi in front of 90,000 people? Virat has. And he has beaten them."
Ravi Shastri leaned into his mic, his voice booming. "Exactly, Sunny. Form is temporary, class is permanent. It is a cliché because it is true. Virat Kohli is a tournament animal. You look at his eyes in a World Cup... they change. He hunts differently. Yes, Aarav is brilliant. Aarav is the Vice-Captain. But imagine the top 4: Rohit, Rahul, Virat, Aarav. That is the best top 4 in the world. Why break it?"
Gautam Gambhir: "Because it is slow, Ravi bhai! Rohit takes time. Rahul takes time. Virat takes time. If you lose two wickets in the Powerplay, these three will go into a shell to 'rebuild'. And then Aarav comes in at the 14th over with too much to do. We need an enforcer at the top. Either open with Virat, or..."
Sanjay Manjrekar: "Or drop him. Play Hooda at 3 or 4. Or open with Pant. Shake it up. Predictability kills you in T20s."
Sweta Singh: "Let's talk about Deepak Hooda. His name is coming up a lot. Why is he a serious contender against a legend like Kohli?"
Aakash Chopra: "It's the template, Sweta. Hooda represents the 'New India'. He attacks immediately. He bowls handy off-spin, which gives the captain an option. Virat doesn't bowl. If you play Hooda, you deepen the batting and the bowling. It adds balance. And let's not forget, Aarav Pathak prefers Number 3. If your best player Aarav wants a spot, shouldn't you give it to him?"
Ravi Shastri: "Aarav has never complained. He bats at 4 for India and scores centuries. He is adaptable. Don't use Aarav as an excuse to drop Virat. Aarav can bat anywhere. He is a genius. But Virat holds the innings together. If the batting collapses—which it does—who do you want in the middle? Hooda or Kohli?"
Gautam Gambhir: "If we play with aggressive intent, we won't collapse! We play timidly because we are scared of collapse! That fear is what holds us back. We need 200 par scores, not 160. Virat gets you to 160 safely. Hooda or Aarav at 3 gets you to 200 or gets you out for 140. I take the risk for 200."
Sweta Singh: "Let's talk about Aarav Pathak again. He is the Vice-Captain. He has led India to series wins recently. If Virat plays, does it undermine Aarav's authority in the leadership group? Two alphas?"
Sunil Gavaskar: "Not at all. Aarav respects Virat immensely. We saw it in England. They are like brothers. In fact, having Virat there helps Aarav. Aarav can focus on his game while Virat helps with the field and intensity. It's a partnership."
Kris Srikkanth: "But look at the future! The future is Aarav! Why are we looking back? Make the bold call! Tell Virat, 'Thank you for your service, but we are moving on'. Let Aarav own the team completely."
Sanjay Manjrekar: "It's about role clarity. If Virat plays, he must be the anchor. But can he accelerate when needed? His strike rate at the death has dropped. Aarav strikes at 200 at the death. SKY strikes at 200. Hardik strikes at 180. Virat is the outlier in this engine room."
Sweta Singh: "We are running out of time. Final verdict. Does Virat Kohli make your 15 for Australia?"
Gautam Gambhir: "If I am the selector... No. I pick a team for the future. I pick intent. I pick Hooda."
Sanjay Manjrekar: "No. The numbers don't justify it. I go with the data."
Kris Srikkanth: "No! Be brave!"
Aakash Chopra: "It is 50-50. My heart says Yes, my head says the template needs changing. I'll sit on the fence."
Sunil Gavaskar: "Yes. 100%. You need him for the world cup. You need him for the pressure."
Ravi Shastri: "He is the first name after the Captain and Vice-Captain. You don't leave your best general at home when you go to war. Virat plays. Aarav plays. And they will bring the cup home."
Sweta Singh: "The panel is split right down the middle. The 'Anti-Kohli' sentiment is strong, driven by the desire for a new, aggressive India. The 'Pro-Kohli' camp banks on experience and class. But one thing everyone agrees on: Aarav Pathak is the key. Whether at 3 or 4, the Vice-Captain is the hope of the nation."
The debate ended with shouting over each other about strike rates and grassy pitches. The graphic on the screen changed to a picture of Aarav Pathak holding the IPL trophy. Caption:The Leader. The Future. The Hope.
In 48 hours, the BCCI would release the list. Would they listen to the noise? Or would they back the King one last time? The nation held its breath.
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The conference hall on the fourth floor of the Cricket Centre was vibrating with nervous energy. It was 12:00 PM. Outside, the Mumbai traffic honked relentlessly, but inside, the silence was heavy, broken only by the rapid clicking of camera shutters and the murmuring of journalists huddled in groups.
The debate that had raged on television screens for the last 48 hours—Kohli vs Hooda, Experience vs Youth, Form vs Class—was about to be settled. The jury was out, and the verdict was minutes away.
The side door opened. The murmur died instantly.
Three men walked in, carrying the weight of a billion expectations.
Chetan Sharma (Chief Selector) – Holding the file that contained the 15 names. He looked tired, perhaps from the heated arguments behind closed doors.
Rahul Dravid (Head Coach) – Looking calm, stoic, and professorial in his team polo.
Rohit Sharma (Captain) – Walking with his usual lazy elegance, adjusting his glasses before placing them on the table.
They took their seats.
Chetan Sharma tapped the microphone. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us. We have had extensive meetings over the last few days, looking at the conditions in Australia, the form of our players, and the balance of the side. We believe we have picked the best possible 15 to bring the World Cup home."
He put on his reading glasses. The room leaned forward.
"Here is the squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia."
The 15:
Rohit Sharma( Captain)
Aarav Pathak (vice captain)
Virat Kohli
Surya Kumar Yadav
Deepak Hooda
Hardik Pandya
Ravichandran Ashwin
Axar Patel
KL Rahul
Rishabh Pant
Dinesh Karthik
Yuzvendra Chahal
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Arshdeep Singh
Mohammed Shami
"Standby Players: Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur."
Chetan Sharma took off his glasses. "The floor is open for questions."
The first hand up was immediate. Vikrant Gupta from Aaj Tak.
Q1: "Chetan ji, Rohit. The biggest debate in the country has been about Virat Kohli. There were strong opinions—even from former selectors—that on current T20 form, he doesn't fit the aggressive template. Yet, he is in the squad. Was there a debate? Was it a unanimous decision?"
Chetan Sharma: "Look, opinions will always be there. That is the beauty of our cricket. But inside the room? There was no debate on Virat Kohli. You don't drop a player of his caliber for a World Cup. We saw what he did in the Asia Cup against Afghanistan. That 122* wasn't just runs; it was a statement. He is fit, he is hungry, and in Australian conditions, you need experience."
Rohit Sharma leaned into his mic. "I'll add to that. You guys talk about 'templates' and 'strike rates'. We talk about winning situations. Virat has won us more games from impossible situations than anyone else. In a World Cup match against Pakistan at the MCG, with 90,000 people screaming... who do you want in the middle? A youngster playing his first tournament, or a guy who has done it for a decade? Experience is not something you buy in a supermarket. Virat is our pillar."
Q2: Journalist: "Rohit, speaking of pillars, let's talk about your deputy. Aarav Pathak. He was the Player of the Tournament in the 2021 World Cup. He averaged 494. He took 18 wickets. He is now the Vice-Captain. What is your expectation of him? Is he the X-factor?"
Rohit Sharma (Grinning): "Aarav? Yeah, he's okay, I guess." (The room laughed). "Jokes aside, Aarav is a freak. What he did in 2021... I don't think we'll see numbers like that again for a long time. 494 average? That's ridiculous. But the best thing about him is that he hasn't let it get to his head. He is still the first one in the nets. My expectation? I expect him to win us games. Whether it's with the bat, ball, or fielding. He gives us the balance we missed for years. A fast-bowling all-rounder who bats in the top 4? That's gold dust. Having him as Vice-Captain helps me too. He reads the game very well. He's proactive. In the death overs, I often leave the field setting to him because he knows exactly what the bowler wants."
Q3: Journalist: "Rahul, a tactical question. Aarav Pathak plays at Number 3 for his IPL franchise and has had immense success. Virat Kohli owns the Number 3 spot for India. With both in the squad, and KL Rahul opening... how do you fit them in? Is there a temptation to play Aarav at 3 to utilize the powerplay?"
Rahul Dravid: "It's a good problem to have, Sanjay. We have flexibility. Yes, Aarav loves 3. But he has scored centuries for India at 4. He has finished games at 5. He is technically sound enough to face the new ball and powerful enough to hit sixes at the death. As of now, the plan is fluid. Virat at 3 gives us stability. Aarav at 4 gives us a bridge between the top order and the finishers like Hardik and DK. But depending on the match situation—say we lose an early wicket in a chase—we might send Aarav to counter-attack. Or if we have a great start, we might hold him back for the death. The roles are defined, but not rigid."
Q4: Journalist: "Rohit, no Jasprit Bumrah. That is a massive hole in the attack. How do you plan to fill it? Is there extra pressure on Arshdeep and Aarav?"
Rohit Sharma: "Jassi is a huge miss. There is no replacement for him. But injuries are part of the sport. We have Mohammed Shami coming back. He has experience. And Arshdeep... honestly, the way he has bowled in the last six months, he doesn't look like a newcomer. He bowls the tough overs—Powerplay and Death. And then we have Aarav. He clocks 150 kmph. He swings it. In Australia, on those hard pitches, his bowling will be lethal. We effectively have three frontline seamers plus Hardik. So we are not short on pace. We just need to be smart."
Q5: Journalist: "Rohit, last year we won the World Cup. Defending champions. Does that add pressure or give confidence?'"
Rohit Sharma: "It gives confidence. We know the blueprint. We know what it takes to win a tournament. We aren't going there to defend anything; we are going there to win it again. The hunger is still there. You saw it in England, you saw it in West Indies. This team isn't satisfied with one trophy. We want to create a dynasty."
Q6: Journalist: "Deepak Hooda is in the squad. Is he a backup for the top order or a middle-order option?"
Rahul Dravid: "Deepak gives us something unique—he can bat anywhere from 1 to 7, and he bowls off-spin. In Australia, if there's a matchup against left-handers, his bowling becomes crucial. He is there because he is a match-winner. He showed that against Ireland. If he gets a game, we expect him to play with that same freedom."
Q7: Journalist: "Rohit, one last question about Aarav. He is 21. He has the world at his feet. How do you ensure he stays grounded amidst all this hype—'God performance', 'Prince of Cricket', etc.?"
Rohit Sharma (Laughing): "Have you met him? Trust me, he is grounded. But seriously, Aarav is self-driven. He competes with himself. He looks at his stats and says, 'I can do better'. He bowled a spell in England where he took 4 wickets and was angry, he didn't get 5. That attitude... you can't teach that. He carries the hype because he performs. We don't need to protect him; we just need to let him fly."
Chetan Sharma: "Thank you, everyone. The team leaves for Perth on the 19th for a preparatory camp. We request the nation to support the boys."
Rohit and Dravid stood up. They held the blue jersey with 'WORLD CUP 2022' printed on the back. The cameras flashed one last time.
As they walked backstage, away from the microphones, Rohit loosened his body. "That went well," Rohit exhaled. "They didn't ask about the strike rate too much."
Dravid smiled. "They will ask if we lose the first game. The Pakistan match is on the 23rd. That will define the narrative."
"We won't lose," Rohit said quietly. "Not with this team. Not with Virat hungry and Aarav firing."
Analysis of the Squad:
Top Order:
Rohit Sharma (C)
KL Rahul
Virat Kohli
Middle Order: 4. Aarav Pathak (VC) 5. Suryakumar Yadav 6. Hardik Pandya
Finishers: 7. Dinesh Karthik / Rishabh Pant (The biggest selection headache) 8. Axar Patel
Bowlers: 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar / Ashwin/Chahal or Shami. 10. Arshdeep Singh 11. Mohammed Shami.
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The Qantas flight carrying the hopes of a billion people descended through the clouds, revealing the sprawling urban grid of Melbourne. It was October 19th. The Australian spring was in full bloom, but the air carried a distinct chill—a reminder that cricket in this part of the world was governed by the wind and the unpredictable skies.
Inside the cabin, the Indian team was stirring.
Aarav Pathak, the Vice-Captain, looked out the window. The Yarra River snaked through the city, and in the distance, the colossal structure of the MCG rose like a concrete titan. "There it is," Aarav whispered. "The Colosseum."
Virat Kohli, sitting across the aisle, adjusted his noise-canceling headphones. He followed Aarav's gaze. A small smile played on his lips. He had memories there. Some bitter, some sweet. But Sunday—October 23rd against Pakistan—promised to be the biggest of them all.
The team bus, wrapped in the vibrant colors of the T20 World Cup, navigated the Melbourne traffic to the Langham Hotel on the Southbank. A small crowd of Indian fans had already gathered outside, braving the cold wind. "India! India!""Aarav! Aarav!"
Aarav stepped off the bus, pulling his hoodie tight. He waved briefly, his face serious. This wasn't a victory parade; it was a business trip. He grabbed his kit bag heavy with the weight of responsibility and walked into the lobby.
Rahul Dravid gathered the team near the elevators. "Listen up. Today is complete rest. No gym, no pool unless it's recovery. Adjust to the time zone. Sleep early. Tomorrow, we hit the nets at 10 AM. And I mean hit them. The MCG nets are fast. Be ready."
The morning of the 20th was crisp. The temperature hovered around 14 degrees Celsius. The sun was out, but the wind had a bite to it.
The team bus rolled into the underground parking of the MCG. The sheer scale of the stadium, even from the bowels of the parking lot, was intimidating. Aarav walked out, carrying four bats and his bowling spikes. He was the first one onto the practice turf, followed closely by Sohum Desai, the Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Before a single ball was bowled, the body needed to be primed. Aarav spent the first hour in intense physical conditioning.
Mobility: Hip openers, thoracic rotations, dynamic stretching to unlock the stiffness of travel.
Activation: Band work for the shoulders—crucial for a bowler who clocks 150 kmph. Glute bridges.
Sprints: Short, sharp bursts of 20 meters to wake up the fast-twitch fibers.
The BCCI media team was already there. Cameramen with massive lenses were positioned behind the nets and on the sidelines. They were capturing every stretch, every grimace. This footage would be fed to millions back home on 'Follow the Blues'. Aarav ignored them. He was in his zone. He put on his training bib.
10:00 AM: The Bowling Session (Pace & Fire)
The nets at the MCG are legendary. They are hard, bouncy, and true. A fast bowler's paradise if you hit the deck; a batsman's graveyard if you aren't awake.
Aarav marked his run-up. He measured it precisely with a tape measure. Paras Mhambrey (Bowling Coach) stood behind the stumps with a speed gun radar.
Batter 1: Rohit Sharma (The Captain) Rohit walked in, adjusting his thigh pad. "Chalo, Aarav."
Aarav didn't start with a half-volley. He steamed in. The rhythm was frighteningly smooth. The gathering of momentum, the high-arm release, the snap of the wrist. Ball 1: Back of a length, rising sharply. Rohit was surprised by the bounce. He fended it off his chest. "Whoa," Rohit laughed nervously. "Good morning to you too."
Mhambrey: "148.6 kmph."
For the next 20 minutes, Aarav bowled to Rohit. He tested the captain's pull shot. He bowled wide yorkers. He bowled the nip-backer. Rohit played well, his class showing in his defensive pushes, but he was hurried. Aarav wasn't holding back.
Batter 2: Virat Kohli (The King) Then came the main event. Virat Kohli walked into the net. The media photographers went into a frenzy. The shutter sounds were like a machine gun—click-click-click-click. Vice-Captain vs Former Captain. The Prince vs The King.
Virat scratched his guard. He looked at Aarav. "Come on then," Virat muttered. "Show me the heat."
Aarav ran in. He put extra effort into this one. Ball 1:152.3 kmph. It pitched on a good length and flew past Virat's outside edge. Virat nodded in appreciation. "Good carry."
Ball 2: Aarav went fuller. Virat leaned into a classic cover drive. Crack. The sound of the bat hitting the ball was perfect. "Shot, Bhai!" Aarav called out.
The duel was intense. Aarav bowled bouncers that Virat swayed away from with cat-like reflexes. Virat stepped out to length balls, challenging Aarav to adjust. It was high-quality cricket. Iron sharpening iron.
Batter 3: KL Rahul & Suryakumar Yadav The rotation continued. KL Rahul faced a barrage of swing. Aarav was getting the Kookaburra to shape away beautifully in the Melbourne air. Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) tried to be cheeky. He moved across to play the scoop. Aarav saw him move. He didn't slow down. He bowled a specialized "heavy ball" into the ribs. SKY had to abort the shot and defend awkwardly. "Not today, Surya bhai," Aarav grinned. "No scoops in my net."
For 90 minutes, Aarav bowled. He didn't drop below 145 kmph. He didn't bowl a no-ball. His shirt was soaked through, clinging to his back. His face was flushed. But the intensity never wavered. Paras Mhambrey finally stepped in. "Okay, Aarav. That's enough. Save the legs."
Aarav bowled one last ball—a searing yorker that uprooted a stump (placed for target practice). He walked back, high-fiving the net bowlers.
Rahul Dravid signaled the break. Aarav sat on the grass, chugging an electrolyte drink. He wrapped a cold towel around his neck. Around him, the chaos of the media continued. A journalist from Star Sports was doing a piece to camera: "As you can see behind me, Aarav Pathak is looking in terrifying form. He bowled for an hour and a half at express pace..."
Aarav closed his eyes for a moment, shutting out the noise. He visualized the Pakistan batting lineup. Babar. Rizwan. Fakhar. He had plans for them.
After 30 minutes of rest, the pads came on. Aarav transformed from bowler to batsman. He wore his navy blue helmet, the BCCI logo gleaming. He picked up his bat, checking the grip.
He walked into the batting net. Waiting for him were Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel. A mix of swing, left-arm angle, and guile.
Phase 1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a new ball is a different beast. He bowled the outswinger. Aarav left it. He bowled the inswinger. Aarav defended with a straight bat. "Play late," Aarav muttered to himself. "Under the eyes." He focused on his forward press. On Australian pitches, you couldn't commit too early. You had to trust the bounce.
Phase 2: Arshdeep Singh, his protégé from the IPL, came round the wicket. He created awkward angles, cramping Aarav for room. Aarav practiced the back-foot punch. He used the bounce of the MCG nets to punch the ball through the covers, riding the rise. "Shot, Paaji!" Arshdeep called out after a particularly crisp sound.
Phase 3: The spinners came on. In Australia, the boundaries are huge. You can't just mishit sixes. You have to hit them clean. Ashwin tossed it up. Aarav stepped out. He practiced the lofted straight drive. He focused on the extension of the arms. Hitting through the line. He launched Axar over long-on. Ideally, into the second tier. He practiced the sweep shot—hard and along the ground—to counter the field spread.
While he batted, the cameras zoomed in on his technique. Analysts were standing by the fence, taking notes. "High backlift," one whispered. "Good for the bounce." "Still head," another noted. "He looks set."
Aarav faced throwdowns from Raghu (side-arm specialist) for the final 20 minutes. Raghu cranked it up to 155 kmph. Short balls. Bodyline. Aarav hooked. Aarav pulled. Aarav ducked. He took a few blows on the body—one on the ribs, one on the thigh pad. He didn't rub them. He just took guard again.
Rahul Dravid blew the whistle. "Pack up!" Aarav unstrapped his pads. He was drenched, exhausted, and covered in net debris. He walked out of the nets, bat under his arm.
Rohit Sharma was waiting for him with a bottle of water. "Good session, Vice," Rohit said. "Good session, Skip," Aarav replied, drinking greedily.
"You looked fast today," Rohit noted. "Rizwan won't like that." "That's the plan," Aarav smirked.
As they walked back to the dressing room tunnel, a group of journalists shouted questions. "Aarav! One word on the Pakistan match!" "Aarav! How is the pitch?"
Aarav didn't stop. He just gave a thumbs up and kept walking. The preparation was done. The body was ready. The mind was sharp. Melbourne was waiting. Sunday was coming.
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The Melbourne spring air was crisp, carrying the scent of the Yarra River and freshly brewed coffee from the myriad of cafes lining the promenade. The intense training session of the previous day had been grueling, leaving muscles sore and minds slightly fried. Today was about switching off. No cricket talk. No Pakistan analysis. Just life.
The group walking down the Southbank Promenade drew eyes, not just because they were famous, but because they looked like a picture-perfect family outing straight out of a magazine.
At the back, walking at a leisurely pace, were two power couples. Virat Kohli, wearing a beige overcoat and dark jeans, held Anushka Sharma's hand. Anushka, the architect of this 'field trip', looked radiant in a trench coat, pointing out architectural details of the Arts Centre. Next to them walked KL Rahul and his fiancée, Athiya Shetty. They were quieter, fingers interlaced, enjoying the rare anonymity that a foreign city offered compared to the chaos of Mumbai.
But leading the pack, about ten paces ahead, was the odd one out. Aarav Pathak. The Vice-Captain. The 21-year-old bachelor (publicly, at least). And he wasn't alone. Perched comfortably in his arms, viewing the world from a height of six-foot-two, was Vamika Kohli.
Aarav wasn't just carrying her; he was engaged in a serious coaching session. "Okay, Princess, look at me," Aarav said, making a funny face that involved crossing his eyes and puffing his cheeks. Vamika giggled, her tiny hands reaching out to grab his nose. "No, no nose grabbing. Focus. We are learning a new word today. Repeat after me."
Aarav slowed down, enunciating clearly. "Cha... Chu."
Vamika blinked her big eyes. "Cha..."
"Yes! Good! Now the second part. Chu."
"Cha... da!" she squealed, clapping her hands.
"No, not 'da'. 'Da' is for Dada. I am not Dada. I am cooler than Dada. I am Cha-chu. Try again. Chaaa-chuuu."
Vamika buried her face in Aarav's neck, laughing at the vibrations of his voice. Aarav tickled her side, causing her to squirm and shriek with delight. "You're stubborn," Aarav whispered to her. "Just like your father. But I'll break you. I broke the England bowling attack; I can teach you one word."
Behind them, the parents and friends watched the scene with amusement. "Look at him," Anushka smiled, her eyes tracking her daughter. "I'm actually jealous. Vamika never goes to anyone this easily. It's usually just me, Virat, or Mummy ji (Virat's mom). If anyone else tries to hold her for more than five minutes, she starts crying. Aarav has had her for an hour, and she hasn't made a peep."
Virat watched his daughter laughing as Aarav spun her around gently. He nodded, a look of profound pride on his face, mixed with a comical tinge of heartbreak. "Yeah, he's good," Virat admitted, putting a hand over his heart dramatically. "Too good. She usually cries for me by now. I feel replaced. Is this what retirement feels like?"
The group burst out laughing. "Don't worry, Virat," KL Rahul deadpanned. "You're still her favorite... option B."
Athiya Shetty leaned into Anushka. "Shradha would be melting if she saw this. You know what they say girls love seeing their men taking care of children. It triggers something biological."
Anushka nodded vigorously. "Oh, absolutely. It's the 'Dad Material' vibe. And look at him, teaching her 'Cha-chu'. He's fully invested."
Virat quickened his pace slightly to catch up. "Oye, Aarav! Stop brainwashing my daughter! She calls me 'Pa-pa', that's enough vocabulary for now."
Aarav turned around, walking backward while holding Vamika securely. "Jealousy is a bad emotion, bhaiya. She needs a cool cha-chu. I am applying for the position."
They decided to stop at a quiet, open-air cafe near the Crown Casino. They pulled tables together. Aarav sat Vamika on his lap, feeding her small pieces of a croissant while the others ordered coffee.
"So," Anushka started, stirring her latte. "The elephant in the room. Or rather, the missing elephant. Why is Shradha not here? I know you guys are keeping it low profile, but this is Australia. No Indian paparazzi here."
Aarav wiped a crumb off Vamika's chin. His expression softened. "She wanted to come," Aarav said. "But it's Diwali week back home. Mom called her. Apparently, being the future daughter-in-law of the Pathak family comes with ritual responsibilities. Mom wants to do a specific puja with her."
"Aww," Athiya cooed. "That's sweet. Official family induction."
"And," Aarav continued, his voice turning more serious. "It's also because of Sachin Sir. We had a long talk before I left."
"Any Problem?" KL Rahul asked, interested.
"Yeah. He said, 'Don't connect the names too early'. He wants Shradha to finish her doctorate without being just 'Aarav's Fiancée'. And he wants me to establish myself firmly maybe even as the captain before we become a public 'brand'."
Aarav looked at Virat and Anushka. "He said we are young. And high-profile couples... they face a lot. If I fail in a series, people will blame her. If she fails an exam, people will blame my cricket. He wants us to be mature enough to handle that blame game before we step into the fire."
Anushka sighed, nodding slowly. She reached out and touched Virat's hand. "He is wise. Very wise. We went through that hell. Every time Virat got out cheaply, I was trending on Twitter. People called me a distraction. It hurts. It really hurts."
Virat tightened his grip on her hand, his jaw clenching at the memory. "It was garbage. But Sachin Paaji is right. Protect her, Aarav. Protect that peace for as long as you can. Once the door opens, you can't close it."
The mood at the table dipped slightly. The reality of their fame the toxic side of it hung in the air. Aarav sensed the shift. He looked at Vamika, who was staring at him with wide, curious eyes.
"Okay, enough serious talk," Aarav declared. He lifted Vamika high into the air, making a loud airplane noise. "Vrrrroooom!" Vamika shrieked with laughter, kicking her legs. "Who is flying? Vamika is flying!" Aarav tickled her tummy. The toddler's infectious laughter broke the tension instantly. Even the people at the neighboring tables smiled.
As they continued walking, Athiya pointed across the street. A sleek, black sign with a target logo. "Melbourne sharp Shooters - Premium Range."
"Hey!" Athiya grabbed KL's arm. "Shooting! Let's try it! I've always wanted to fire a gun."
KL Rahul looked intrigued. "Could be fun. Works on focus." Virat cracked his knuckles. "I'm in. Let's see who has the best aim." Anushka rolled her eyes but smiled. "Boys and their toys. Fine. Let's go."
They walked into the reception. It was a high-end facility, polished concrete and glass. Aarav walked to the counter. "Best range you have. Private bay. Five adults." He collected everyone's passports for ID verification. The receptionist's eyes widened slightly seeing the names, but she maintained professionalism.
They moved towards the soundproof airlock doors leading to the firing lanes. Just as Aarav was about to step through, Anushka grabbed his hoodie. "Whoa, hold your horses, cowboy," Anushka said, blocking his path.
Aarav blinked. "What?"
"Vamika," Anushka pointed to the baby in Aarav's arms. "No babies allowed in the firing range. Loud noises. Dangerous."
"Oh," Aarav realized. "Right. So... one of us has to stay?"
"Yes," Anushka grinned mischievously. "And since Virat and I are married and need couple time, and KL and Athiya are lovebirds... that leaves the bachelor."
Aarav looked at the glass door where the guns were displayed. He looked at Vamika. "But... I want to shoot," he whined.
"You shoot stumps for a living," Virat laughed, patting his shoulder. "Wait for your turn. Be a good "Cha-chu". Sit in the viewing lounge. It's soundproof. You can watch us be awesome."
Aarav sighed, defeated. "Fine. But if you guys take an hour, I'm teaching her to say 'Dada is bad'."
Aarav sat on a plush leather sofa in the viewing lounge. The glass wall gave a panoramic view of the firing lanes. Vamika sat on his lap, happily chewing on a teething ring Aarav had fished out of the diaper bag.
"Look, Vamika," Aarav pointed. "Look at your Papa. He thinks he is James Bond."
Inside the range, the group put on ear defenders and safety glasses. The instructor handed them the weapons standard 9mm pistols to start.
KL Rahul: KL stepped up first. Calm. Composed. He held the gun with a steady two-handed grip. He took a breath. Bang. Bang. Bang. Aarav watched the paper target slide back. "Whoa," Aarav whispered. Three shots. All in the chest ring. Tight grouping. "Rahul bhai is scary," Aarav told Vamika. "Remind me never to steal his last slice of pizza."
Anushka Sharma: She was next. She had done action movies. Her stance was professional. Bang. Bang. Two shots. One in the shoulder, one in the neck. "Bhabhi is dangerous too," Aarav noted. Vamika clapped, seeing her mom.
Virat Kohli: The King stepped up. He looked intense. He adjusted his glasses. He spread his legs wide. He looked like he was about to hit a cover drive. He fired. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Rapid fire. The target slid back. One hit the outer edge of the paper. One hit the white background. Two missed completely. Aarav burst out laughing. He laughed so hard he nearly dropped the teething ring. "Look at that!" Aarav gasped to Vamika. "Your Papa missed the whole target! He's trying to hit boundaries instead of the bullseye!"
Inside, Virat was arguing with the instructor, probably claiming the gun sights were misaligned. Anushka was laughing at him, pointing at the pristine center of the target he had failed to hit.
After 20 minutes, the group came out. Virat looked grumpy. KL looked smug. "Your turn, Aarav," Virat grumbled, taking Vamika from Aarav. "Let's see what you got. The gun pulls to the left, by the way."
"Sure it does," Aarav smirked.
He walked into the range. He put on the glasses and ear defenders. The instructor loaded a fresh magazine. "Ever shot before, mate?"
Aarav nodded. "A little."
He picked up the Glock 17. He didn't take the weaver stance. He took a relaxed, tactical stance. He raised the weapon. He didn't aim for five seconds like KL. He acquired the sight picture instantly. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Five shots in two seconds.
He put the gun down. The target slid back. The group in the lounge gasped. Five headshots. A ragged hole in the center of the head silhouette.
"Holy..." KL Rahul whispered, pressing his face to the glass.
Round 2: The Shotgun Aarav asked for the shotgun. The instructor, now impressed, handed him a Remington 870. Targets were set up moving plates. Boom. Clang. Boom. Clang. He didn't miss. His hand-eye coordination—honed by facing 150kmph balls was supernatural.
Round 3: The Sniper Just for fun, he asked for the rifle. 50 meters. He took one shot. Bullseye.
He walked out of the range, removing his glasses, looking bored.
The group stared at him. "What was that?" Athiya asked, eyes wide. "Are you a secret agent?"
"Seriously," Virat checked Aarav's arms. "Where did you learn that? That wasn't beginner's luck."
"Focus, Bhaiya," Aarav shrugged, taking a sip of water. "I used to go to a range in Mumbai with my dad (Rajat). It helps with concentration. Plus..." he grinned. "I play a lot of Call of Duty. It helps."
"Video games do not help you shoot a real gun like John Wick!" Virat argued. "You are just a freak. Bowling, batting, shooting. Is there anything you are bad at?"
"Dancing," Aarav admitted. "I still can't do the Bhangra properly."
They walked out of the facility into the cooling evening. The sun was setting, painting the Melbourne sky in purple. Anushka was holding Vamika. Virat, wanting comfort after his shooting disaster, reached out for his daughter. "Come to Papa, Vami. Papa had a bad day."
Vamika looked at Virat. She looked at his outstretched arms. Then, she turned her head. Her eyes found Aarav standing next to KL Rahul. She smiled—a wide, toothy grin. She pointed both her chubby little hands towards Aarav.
And then, clear as a bell, she spoke. "Cha... Chu!"
The group froze. Aarav stopped walking. His face lit up like the MCG floodlights. "Did she just...?"
Vamika bounced in Anushka's arms, reaching desperately for Aarav. "Cha-chu! Cha-chu!"
"OH MY GOD!" Aarav screamed, forgetting all coolness. He rushed forward. Anushka, laughing hysterically, handed the baby over. Aarav scooped her up. He lifted her high above his head, spinning her around in the Melbourne twilight. "SHE SAID IT! SHE SAID IT! I AM THE CHACHU!"
Vamika laughed, grabbing his hair. "Cha-chu!"
"Yes! I am Cha-chu!" Aarav brought her down and kissed her cheek soundly. "You are the smartest girl in the world! You recognized the winner!"
On the side, Virat Kohli stood with his arms still outstretched, hitting the air. He looked at Anushka with a face of pure betrayal. "She rejected me," Virat whispered, genuinely shocked. "My own blood. She rejected me for him. And she called him Chachu."
Anushka was bent over laughing, holding onto Athiya for support. "Oh, Virat! Your face! She loves him! Deal with it!"
"He bribed her," Virat muttered, narrowing his eyes at Aarav who was currently dancing a jig with the baby. "He definitely bribed her with chocolate."
"He bribed her with love, Virat," KL Rahul said, patting his captain's back. "And headshots. Babies love headshots."
Aarav walked back to the group, Vamika resting contentedly in his hands, her head on his shoulder. He looked smug. "Sorry, bhaiya," Aarav grinned. "The Princess has chosen. I am the favorite now."
Virat sighed, finally cracking a smile. He ruffled Vamika's hair. "Fine. You win this round, Aarav. But tomorrow at the nets... no mercy."
"Deal," Aarav said.
They walked back towards the hotel, the laughter echoing down the street. The pressure of the Pakistan match was looming, the expectations of a billion people were heavy, but for tonight, under the Australian sky, they were just a family. And Aarav Pathak had just won the title he cherished most: Cha-chu.
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