For More Future Chapters: -
My Patreon: -
https://www.patreon.com/c/Kynstra
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Donate Power Stones and Join My Patreon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last notes of Jana Gana Mana hung in the cold Melbourne air, vibrating against the concrete shell of the stadium. For a few seconds, there was absolute silence—a collective intake of breath from 90,293 people. Then, the roar broke. It was a sound so loud it didn't just register in the ears; it registered in the bones.
On the field, the emotion was raw. Rohit Sharma, eyes glistening, wiped a tear from his cheek. He looked up at the sky, composing himself. The burden of captaincy, the weight of the nation—it all crystallized in that moment. Virat Kohli, standing next to him, was already tapping his feet, his eyes shifting from the flag to the pitch. The patriot had done his duty; now, the king was taking over.
And Aarav Pathak. The 22-year-old Vice-Captain. He exhaled slowly, a puff of condensed breath visible in the chilly air. He adjusted his collar. The anthem wasn't just a song; it was a reminder of why he stood there. The 'Seth' of Gujarat was now the soldier of India.
As the teams dispersed from the anthem lineups, the giant 360-degree screens at the MCG and television sets across the globe flashed the Team India Playing XI.
INDIA XI
Rohit Sharma (C)
KL Rahul
Virat Kohli
Aarav Pathak (VC)
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya
Dinesh Karthik (WK)
Axar Patel
Ravichandran Ashwin
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Arshdeep Singh
Ravi Shastri: "There it is. The playing eleven that carries the hopes of a billion. It is a side packed with power, packed with experience, and led by the sheer class of Rohit Sharma. But look at that middle order. Kohli, Aarav, Surya, Hardik, DK. That is an engine room that can destroy any attack in the world."
Ian Bishop: "It is the balance that intrigues me, Ravi. No Jasprit Bumrah, as we know. That puts a tremendous amount of responsibility on the young shoulders of Arshdeep Singh and, of course, the Vice-Captain, Aarav Pathak. They have gone with the extra spinner in Ashwin, lengthening the batting, but relying on Aarav and Hardik to share the heavy lifting with the ball."
Nasser Hussain: "And that's the key matchup for me. Aarav Pathak. We saw what he had did. He is quick. He is hostile. And he is 22. To be the spearhead of your nation's attack against Pakistan at the MCG... that takes a special kind of temperament."
The Pakistan openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, walked out to the middle.
Then, the Indian team sprinted onto the field. Rohit Sharma led the charge, clapping his hands above his head, urging the crowd to turn up the volume. The noise responded, reaching a fever pitch.
But as the team spread out, all eyes turned to one man. Aarav Pathak.
He wasn't walking to his fielding mark. He was walking to the umpire. He took his cap off and handed it to Marais Erasmus. He took the brand new, white Kookaburra ball.
Ravi Shastri: "So, it is the Vice-Captain who takes the new rock. Not Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Not Arshdeep. It is Aarav Pathak. And we know his pattern, don't we? It's a tactical ploy that Rohit has used brilliantly."
Ian Bishop: "Exactly, Ravi. The 'Shock and Awe' tactic. Aarav typically bowls just one over in the Powerplay—usually the first or second—to rattle the openers with pure pace. Then, he is pulled back, saved for the middle overs to break partnerships and for the death. It's a luxury to have a 150-click bowler you can use as an enforcer."
Aarav walked to the top of his run-up at the Southern Stand End. He looked like a thoroughbred racehorse readying for the sprint. He placed the ball on the turf. He began his stretches. He grabbed his left arm, pulling it across his chest, stretching the tricep. The muscles rippled under the blue jersey. He rotated his right shoulder—the cannon. Click. Click. Loose. Ready.
He picked up the ball. He ran his thumb over the seam. It was hard, protruding, perfect. He looked down the pitch. The 22 yards that separated him from the World No. 2 batter, Babar Azam. The crowd behind him was screaming his name. "AA-RAV! AA-RAV!"
He didn't acknowledge them. He was in the zone.
Nasser Hussain: "Just look at him. 22 years old. Vice-Captain of India. Leading the attack in a World Cup opener against the arch-rivals. Most players would be shaking in their boots. He looks like he's about to play a club match on a Sunday. That composure is his superpower."
Shane Watson: "It's the pace, Nass. When you know you can bowl 155 kph, you walk with a different swagger. He knows he can hurry Babar. He knows he can bounce Rizwan. The bounce here at the MCG will suit him perfectly. Look at that run-up mark. It's long. He's coming in hot."
Ravi Shastri: "This is the moment. The first ball of the India-Pakistan clash. The world stops. Aarav Pathak marks his run. Babar Azam takes his guard. Let's play!"
Aarav turned at the top of his mark. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp Melbourne air. He started his run. Slow at first, then gathering momentum. Long strides eating up the turf. The crowd rose with him. He hit the crease. The jump. The high arm. The snap.
Ball 1:149.8 kmph. He didn't look for swing immediately. He looked for the deck. Short of a length, angling into the body. Babar Azam was surprised by the skid. He hurried into a defensive push, fending it off his hips towards square leg. Dot Ball.
Ian Bishop: "Good start! Hitting the deck hard. That skidded through. Nearly 150 clicks first up. Babar had to be watchful there."
Ball 2: Aarav walked back, spinning the ball. He adjusted the field. Moved fine leg finer. He ran in. 151.2 kmph. This time, he went fuller. Testing the drive. Babar leaned forward, showing the full face of the bat. A solid push to mid-off. Dot Ball.
Nasser Hussain: "Solid. Babar is such a class act. But Aarav is testing his front foot commitment. You don't want to commit too early against this pace on a bouncy track."
Ball 3: Aarav decided to crank it up. He put his back into it. 153.5 kmph. A searing bouncer. Directed at the left shoulder. Babar swayed out of the way, watching the ball sail over his head to Dinesh Karthik. The crowd gasped at the carry. The ball thudded into the gloves loudly.
Ravi Shastri: "That has flown! Serious heat! He is telling the Pakistan captain, 'I am not here to play; I am here to hurt you.' That is aggressive cricket!"
Ball 4: Aarav went wide of the crease. He angled it in, then got it to straighten just a fraction off the seam. Babar poked at it. Beaten! The ball whistled past the outside edge. Aarav stared at Babar. Babar looked at the pitch.
Shane Watson: "Beautiful delivery! That channel, that corridor of uncertainty. At that pace, if you get a nick, it stays hit. Babar is living dangerously."
Ball 5: Aarav tried the yorker. It ended up being a low full toss swinging into the pads. Babar flicked it. He timed it well towards mid-wicket, but the outfield was quick. Arshdeep Singh charged in and kept it to just a single. 1 Run.
Ball 6: Mohammad Rizwan on strike for the first time. Aarav walked back to his mark. He didn't just walk; he marched. The crowd noise was reaching a crescendo. He turned. He ran in. He put every ounce of strength into his release. 154.2 kmph. He targeted the base of the off-stump. A searing, inswinging yorker at express pace. Rizwan was late. He was beaten for pace. He tried to bring his bat down, but the ball had already passed it. CRASH. The off-stump was uprooted and sent cartwheeling towards the keeper.
Ravi Shastri (SCREAMING): "BOWLED HIM! CLEANED HIM UP! FIRST BALL! Aarav Pathak destroys the stumps! Mohammad Rizwan goes for a golden duck! That is 154 clicks of pure fury! The MCG has erupted! India draws first blood in the biggest game of them all!"
Shane Watson: "That is unplayable! Pace, swing, and accuracy! Rizwan didn't have a chance! Look at Aarav! He is pumped! The Vice-Captain delivers the knockout punch in the first over!"
Mohammad Rizwan b Aarav 0 (1)
End of Over 1.Score: Pakistan 1/1. Aarav Pathak: 1-0-1-1.
Ravi Shastri: "What a start for India! Just one run and the massive wicket of Rizwan. Aarav Pathak has set the MCG on fire. Pace, bounce, and hostility. He has pushed Pakistan onto the back foot immediately."
Nasser Hussain: "And now, watch Rohit's tactics. Aarav will likely go to the outfield. He's done his job rattle them with pace. Now Bhuvi and Arshdeep will look for swing. It's a very specific, very modern usage of a fast bowler."
Aarav took his cap from the umpire. He high-fived Hardik Pandya and jogged to his position at Mid-On. He was sweating, his chest heaving, but he looked satisfied. The first battle was won, and the war had just begun.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nasser Hussain: "One over down, one wicket down. The Vice-Captain Aarav Pathak has done the damage early. Now, it's the veteran. Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He loves these conditions. Overcast, a bit of grass. Shan Masood is the new man."
Shan Masood marked his guard. He looked around the MCG. The noise was deafening. The scoreboard pressure was already building, even though only six balls had been bowled.
Ball 1:Babar Azam on strike. The King of Pakistan cricket. Flicked for 1 run.
Ball 2: Bhuvi went straighter. Masood clipped it nervously to square leg. He got off the mark. 1 Run.
Ball 3: Babar needed to anchor this ship. Bhuvi bowled tight on the fourth stump. Babar defended with a straight bat. Dot.
Ball 4-6: Bhuvi gave nothing away. The ball was talking. Babar played and missed once, then defended 5th ball and taking single on last ball, keeping strike with himself. Score: Pakistan 4/1.
Ravi Shastri: "This is suffocating. Bhuvi and Aarav have put a lid on the scoring. Pakistan are 4 for 1 after 2 overs. The pressure is immense."
Rohit Sharma tossed the ball to his young left-armer. Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep had made his debut under Aarav's captaincy. Now, he was bowling the first over of his World Cup career against Pakistan at the MCG.
Ball 1: Arshdeep marked his run-up. He looked calm. He kissed the ball. He ran in. He angled it in from over the wicket. Babar Azam expected the angle to take it across him. He planted his front foot, looking to flick it through mid-wicket—his bread and butter shot. But the ball swung. Massive Inswing. It hooped back into the right-hander. Babar played all around it. He missed the flick completely. THUD. The ball smashed into the pads, right in front of middle and leg.
Arshdeep turned around. He didn't just appeal; he ran towards the umpire screaming. "HOWZAAAAAT!" The Umpire, Marais Erasmus, took a second. He raised the finger.
Ravi Shastri (SCREAMING): "ARSHDEEP SINGH - YOU BEAUTY! Starts off his spell with a absolute peach! An inswinger and Babar Azam gets beaten due to the massive movement in the air! He tries to work this across the line, gets beaten and is rapped on the pads! Pitching in line, impact in line, and it's crashing into the leg-stump! THE PAKISTAN KING DEPARTS! Dream start for India! Pakistan are 2 wickets down for nothing!"
Wasim Akram (Stunned): "What a delivery first up! To get one of the best batsman LBW on your first ball in a World Cup? That is special. Babar reviewed it immediately, but he knew. He knew he was late."
The Review: Ball Tracking loaded. Pitching: In Line. Impact: In Line. Wickets: Hitting. OUT.
The MCG erupted. 90,000 fans went wild. Babar walked back, head down, stunned by the young Sikh's brilliance.
Babar Azam lbw b Arshdeep
Pakistan 4/2
Iftikhar Ahmed walked out to join Shan Masood. Pakistan was reeling. The top two batters were gone. India was all over them. Aarav Pathak was fielding at mid-off, constantly talking to the bowlers, keeping the energy high.
For the next 6 overs, Iftikhar and Masood went into a shell. They had to. Survival was the only priority.
Harsha Bhogle: "This is a brilliant recovery from the shock, but they are going nowhere. 32 runs in the Powerplay. India has controlled every single aspect of this game so far."
Overs 7-10:Hardik Pandya bowled a tight spell. Pakistan reached 60/2 at the halfway mark (10 overs). Iftikhar and Masood were rotating the strike, just trying to build a partnership.
Over 11: Ravichandran Ashwin Ashwin bowled a tidy over, conceding 5 runs. Score: 65/2.
Over 12: Axar Patel vs Iftikhar Ahmed
Rohit Sharma brought on Axar Patel, hoping to rush through an over of left-arm spin. Iftikhar Ahmed, decided he had seen enough. The "Chacha" of Pakistan cricket decided to show his power.
Ball 1: Axar fired it in on the pads. Iftikhar went down on one knee. He didn't sweep; he slog-swept with immense power. The ball flew over deep square leg. SIX.
Nasser Hussain: "That's a big hit! He needed that. Pakistan needed that. Just released a bit of pressure."
Ball 2: Axar went wider. Iftikhar stepped out. He didn't get to the pitch, but he went through with the shot. He dragged it from outside off. It soared over long-on. SIX!
Ravi Shastri: "Two in two! Iftikhar Ahmed is shifting gears! He is targeting the short boundary, but that went rows back!"
Ball 3: Axar, rattled, bowled a shorter, flatter delivery. Iftikhar rocked back. He pulled it! A flat pull shot off a spinner. It bulleted over the mid-wicket fence. SIX!
Wasim Akram: "IFTI MANIA AT THE MCG! Three sixes in three balls! He is playing stick cricket now! Axar Patel has no answer! From nowhere, the momentum has shifted!"
Ball 4: Iftikhar took a single. Fifty for Iftikhar Ahmed! 51 off 32 balls. He raised his bat aggressively. He was dragging Pakistan back into the contest.
Ball 5: Masood took a single.
Ball 6: Iftikhar defended.
End of Over 12.Runs from Over: 21. Score: Pakistan 90/2.
The giant screen flashed the summary. Pakistan: 90/2 (12 Overs)
Harsha Bhogle: "Just when India thought they had this game in the bag, Iftikhar Ahmed has exploded. 21 runs off that Axar Patel over has changed the complexion completely. 90 for 2. They are setting up for a 160-170 total now, which on this big ground is very competitive."
Nasser Hussain: "Rohit Sharma looks worried. He is talking to Aarav Pathak. They need a wicket. This partnership is dangerous. Masood is playing the anchor beautifully, and Iftikhar is destroying the spin. India needs to bring the pacers back."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The carnage of the previous over hung heavy in the air. 21 runs off Axar Patel. Iftikhar Ahmed had shifted the momentum violently in Pakistan's favor. The score read 91/2. The projected score, once hovering around 140, was now threatening to touch 170-180.
Rohit Sharma looked concerned. He walked towards the bowler's mark, kicking the turf. Aarav Pathak, fielding, jogged in. The Vice-Captain didn't wait for an invitation. He saw the fire spreading and knew it needed to be doused immediately.
The leadership group Rohit, Virat, and Aarav met mid-pitch. "He's hitting with the spin," Rohit muttered, hands on his hips. "If he stays for two more overs, we are chasing 180."
"I'll bowl," Aarav said instantly. It wasn't a suggestion; it was a statement. Rohit looked at him. "You have three overs left. I wanted to save two for the death." "I'll bowl the 13th," Aarav planned, his mind working like a computer. "Break this stand. Then I'll come back for the 18th and the 20th. Hardik and Arshdeep can manage the middle."
Virat Kohli nodded vigorously. "Bring him on. Iftikhar is playing on the front foot. Aarav's pace will rush him."
Rohit handed the ball to Aarav. "Go. Get him."
Over 13:
Ravi Shastri: "Big moment in the game. Rohit Sharma turns to his trump card. Aarav Pathak is back into the attack. He took a wicket in his first over, and now he is back to stop the bleeding. Iftikhar Ahmed is the man who has changed the complexion of this game. Can Aarav stop him?"
Wasim Akram: "This is the battle. Iftikhar is seeing the ball like a football. But facing 150 kmph is different from facing spin. Aarav will attack the stumps."
Ball 1: Aarav marked his run-up. The crowd roared, sensing the shift in intensity. Shan Masood on strike. Aarav steamed in. He didn't go flat out; he focused on the line. Length ball on middle and leg. Masood tucked it neatly off his hips to deep square leg. 1 Run.
Ball 2: Iftikhar Ahmed on strike. 51 off 32 balls. The MCG held its breath. Aarav walked back to his mark. He stared at Iftikhar. He wiped the ball on his trousers.
He turned. He ran. The rhythm was perfect. The arm speed was electric. 148.5 kmph. He bowled it full. Not a yorker, but a very full length. He got the ball to tail in late that natural reverse. Iftikhar, full of confidence, tried to repeat his heroics. He looked to punch it down the ground, aiming for long-off. But he made a fatal error. He didn't get forward. He tried to hit through the line from the crease, clearing his front leg. The ball sneaked past the inside edge of the bat. THUD. It smashed into the back leg, right in front of middle stump.
Aarav turned around. He didn't just appeal; he roared. "YEAAAAAAH!" He ran down the pitch, finger raised before the umpire even moved. Marais Erasmus raised his finger. OUT!
Nasser Hussain (SCREAMING): "GOT HIM! The tactical switch works! Aarav Pathak removes the danger man! Superb bowling! Full, with late tail into the right-hander! Again, Iftikhar looks to punch down the ground without getting forward! He just clears his front leg and throws a straight bat at it, but the pace beats him! It sneaks past the inside edge and thuds into the back leg! Plumb in front! The Iftikhar storm is over!"
Aarav punched the air, veins popping in his neck. Virat Kohli sprinted from cover and jumped onto Aarav's back, screaming. Rohit Sharma ran in, high-fiving them. The relief was palpable. The partnership was broken instantly.
Iftikhar Ahmed lbw b Aarav 51 (34)Score: 92/3
Harsha Bhogle: "That is why he is the Vice-Captain. He identifies the threat, he demands the ball, and he executes the plan. One ball to Iftikhar, one wicket. That is impact."
Shadab Khan was promoted up the order. Pakistan needed to rebuild again. With Iftikhar gone, the run rate dropped. Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh bowled tight overs.
Over 14 (Hardik):Wicket! Shadab Khan tried to hoist Hardik and skied it. Suryakumar Yadav took the catch. Score: 96/4. Haider Ali joined Masood.
Over 16 (Arshdeep): Just 4 runs. Over 17 (Hardik):Wicket! Mohammad Nawaz caught behind. Score: 115/6.
Wasim Akram: "Pakistan is falling apart. The middle order has vanished. Shan Masood is holding one end up, but he is running out of partners."
Over 18: Aarav Pathak to Asif Ali
With Asif Ali—the dangerous finisher—at the crease, Rohit brought Aarav back for his third over.
Ball 1: Bouncer. Asif Ali ducked. Dot.
Ball 2: Yorker. 152 kmph. Asif dug it out. Dot.
Ball 3: Asif tried to make room. Aarav followed him. Cramped him for room.
Ball 4: Asif Ali tried to evade a short ball. It brushed his glove. Dinesh Karthik took an easy catch behind the stumps.
Ravi Shastri: "Another one bites the dust! Aarav gets Asif Ali! The short ball ploy works again! Pakistan are 7 down!"
Asif Ali c Karthik b Aarav
Shaheen Afridi walked out to bat. He hit a few lusty blows in the 19th over off Arshdeep, taking Pakistan past 150. Shan Masood reached his fifty, playing a lone hand.
Over 20 (Technically 19.2 Overs)Aarav Pathak to Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan was 154/9. Haris Rauf was at the non-striker's end.
Ball 1: Aarav to Shaheen. Aarav steamed in. He wanted to finish the innings. He bowled a length ball on off-stump. Shaheen cleared his front leg and swung wildly. He missed. The ball missed the off-stump by a whisker. Dot.
Ball 2: Aarav walked back. He saw Shaheen backing away. He decided to bowl the Yorker. He ran in. 151.8 kmph. The ball dipped late. Shaheen tried to jam his bat down. He was too slow. The ball crashed into the base of the middle stump. BOWLED!
Ian Bishop: "Cleaned him up! The stumps are shattered again! Aarav Pathak finishes the innings! Shaheen Afridi is bowled neck and crop! Pakistan are bowled out for 154! A brilliant comeback by India led by their inspirational Vice-Captain!"
Innings Break
Pakistan: 154 All Out (19.2 Overs)
The Indian team walked off the field, high-fiving. The MCG crowd was buzzing. 155 to win.
Aarav Pathak led the team off, tossing the ball to the umpire. Rohit Sharma put an arm around him. "That 13th over," Rohit said, his voice full of admiration. "That changed everything. You got Iftikhar, and they panicked."
Aarav wiped sweat from his brow, smiling. "Just did the job, Skip. Now let's chase this."
Wasim Akram (On Air): "154 is a fighting total, but Pakistan left 20 runs out there. The collapse from 91/2 was catastrophic. Credit to the Indian seamers Aarav, Hardik, Arshdeep. They used the short ball well, and Aarav's pace in the middle overs was the difference."
Ravi Shastri: "India will be the happier side. 155 is chaseable. But this is India vs Pakistan. It's never straightforward. Shaheen Afridi will have the new ball under lights. The drama has only just begun!"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The heavy door of the Indian dressing room swung shut, muting the deafening roar of the MCG. Inside, the air was cool, smelling of Deep Heat and damp jerseys. The mood, however, was light.
Arshdeep Singh was bouncing on the balls of his feet, still riding the high of his three wickets. He grabbed a protein bar and did a little bhangra jig near the ice bath. "155, Paaji!" Arshdeep grinned at Hardik Pandya. "We kept them under 160! That is a win, right?"
Hardik, shirtless and wiping sweat with a towel, nodded, though his eyes remained focused. "Good job, Arsh. But the job is half done. Their bowling is no joke."
Rahul Dravid walked to the center of the room. The Head Coach didn't do hype. He did calmness. "Excellent effort in the field," Dravid said, his voice measured. "The intensity was perfect. 155 is a chaseable score, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. The new ball will swing under lights. Shaheen and Naseem will come hard. Play safe in the Powerplay. We have depth. Let's take it deep."
In the corner of the room, away from the high-fives and the strategy whiteboard, sat Aarav Pathak. He had a towel draped over his head, isolating himself from the noise. To the team, it looked like the Vice-Captain was just focusing. But inside his mind, Aarav was replaying a movie that hadn't happened yet—or rather, a movie from a different life.
October 23, 2022. The Original Timeline. Aarav closed his eyes. He remembered it vividly. India restricted Pakistan to 159. The chase fell apart. 31 for 4. The nation lost hope. And then, Virat Kohli played the innings of a lifetime. The 82 not out. The two sixes off Haris Rauf in the 19th over. The tears. The magic.
Aarav clenched his fist. That was destiny then. But I am here now. In this timeline, India had restricted them to 154. Aarav was the No. 1 batsman in the world. He wasn't just a spectator; he was the protagonist. I won't let us be 31 for 4, Aarav promised himself. But if we are... I will stand with Virat. We will finish this.
He looked across the room at Virat Kohli, who was shadow-practicing a cover drive, eyes burning with that familiar intensity. The King was ready. And this time, the Prince was there to guard his throne.
A soft tap on his shoulder broke his reverie. Aarav pulled the towel down. Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) was standing there. He looked restless, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
"Aarav," SKY whispered. "Can I talk to you?"
"What's up, Surya bhai?" Aarav asked, sitting up straight.
"I... I just spoke to Rohit and Dravid sir," SKY said, glancing at the Captain who was padding up. "I asked them for a favor. A big one."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "You want to open?"
"No," SKY chuckled nervously. "I want to bat at 4."
Aarav paused. Number 4 was his spot. The Vice-Captain's spot. The position from where he had scored centuries and controlled chases. "You want my spot?" Aarav asked, his voice neutral.
"I feel good, Aarav," SKY said, his eyes pleading. "I've been hitting it well in the nets. The bounce here... it suits my game. I feel like if I go in early, I can unsettle their spinners before they settle. If I wait till 5 or 6... sometimes the game is already too tight. I want to attack."
Aarav looked at SKY. He saw the hunger. He saw the desire to make a mark on the biggest stage against the biggest rival.
Rohit Sharma walked over, one pad strapped on. He looked annoyed. "Aarav, Surya is asking to switch," Rohit said, shaking his head. "I told him no. Why fix what isn't broken? You are the best Number 4 in the world right now. We stick to the plan."
"But Rohit bhai," SKY started, "I just feel—"
"It's a World Cup match against Pakistan, Surya!" Rohit snapped, the pressure showing. "We don't experiment today!"
Aarav stood up. He looked at Rohit, then at Surya. He thought about the team. He thought about flexibility. And he thought about confidence. If SKY was feeling this confident, denying him might kill his morale.
"It's okay, Skip," Aarav said calmly.
Rohit blinked. "What?"
"Let him go," Aarav smiled, looking at SKY. "If we lose two wickets early, Virat bhai will be there. If Surya goes at 4, he can counter-attack. I'll drop to 5. I can finish the game. I've done it before."
"Are you sure?" Rohit frowned. "You are the VC. You set the tempo."
"I can set the tempo from anywhere," Aarav shrugged. "Besides, if SKY comes off, he wins us the game in 10 overs."
He turned to Suryakumar Yadav. The relief on SKY's face was evident. "You want the spot? It's yours today," Aarav said, poking SKY's chest. "But there is a condition."
"Anything," SKY beamed.
"You don't just go there to survive," Aarav said, his eyes turning steel-hard. "You go there and you dominate. You tell them that the SKY is the limit. Don't throw your wicket away."
SKY laughed, the tension breaking. "Done. I'll hit one into the stands for you."
Aarav extended his hand. SKY grabbed it and pulled him into a one-armed bro hug. "Thanks, Aarav," SKY whispered. "I owe you." "Just win us the game," Aarav patted his back.
Rohit sighed, watching them. "Fine. KL and I open. Virat 3. Surya 4. Aarav 5. Hardik 6. But if this backfires, I am blaming both of you." "Deal," Aarav grinned.
KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma picked up their bats. The umpires walked out. The crowd noise swelled again, penetrating the walls.
Aarav sat back down in his corner. He had demoted himself. In the biggest game of his life. Some would call it madness. Others would call it leadership. He watched Virat Kohli padding up. I might come in later, Aarav thought. But I will be ready. The script has changed. But the ending... the ending has to be the same.
"Chalo boys!" Rohit shouted. "Let's chase this down!"
The Indian openers walked into the tunnel, into the light, into the noise. The chase was on.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The innings break had done nothing to dampen the noise at the MCG. If anything, the anticipation had curdled into a thick, nervous tension. 155 was a tricky total. It wasn't 200, which demands reckless aggression, nor was it 120, which allows for patience. It required a balance that often eluded teams in high-pressure games.
Previn (Fan on Social Media):"I think this Pakistan fast bowling attack has too much firepower for the Indian batting lineup. The ball is swinging under lights."
Wajid Jawaid (Fan):"Loading....First over wicket from Shaheen."
Latif (Fan):"Pakistan are 10-15 runs short, but with Shaheen, anything is possible."
The umpires, Marais Erasmus and Rod Tucker, walked out to the middle. Behind them came the Pakistan team, huddling one last time. And then, the Indian openers. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Two of the most gifted timers of the ball in world cricket. But tonight, they looked burdened. The ghosts of the 2021 T20 World Cup where Shaheen Afridi destroyed them in the first spell seemed to hover over the pitch.
Shaheen Shah Afridi marked his run-up.
Over 1: The Shaheen Examination
Ravi Shastri: "Welcome back. The stage is set. Shaheen Afridi with the new ball. He swings it back into the right-handers at pace. KL Rahul on strike. He needs to get his feet moving early."
0.1: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul Shaheen steamed in. He looked for the magic delivery first up—the inswinging yorker. He overpitched slightly. It slipped out as a low full toss. Rahul, watchful, didn't try to drive. He presented a dead bat, playing it back to the bowler. Shaheen tumbled forward in his follow-through, fielding it. Dot Ball.
Wasim Akram: "Nerves. You can see it. Shaheen trying too hard for the yorker. Rahul just wanting to feel bat on ball."
0.2: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul Shaheen corrected his length. Full, swinging in late. Rahul looked to push through extra cover, but the swing cramped him. Inside edge. It trickled down to deep fine leg where Naseem Shah fielded. 1 Run. India underway. A collective exhale from the crowd.
Suddenly, play halted. Marais Erasmus ran all the way down to the boundary edge. There were a couple of '4' and '6' placards pinned to the sightscreen, creating a glare under the floodlights. Rohit Sharma stood hands on hips, looking annoyed. The delay only added to the tension. "Let's play," Rohit signaled.
0.3: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma Rohit faced his first ball. Shaheen missed the yorker again. Low full toss. Rohit clipped it off his pads to deep backward square leg. He wanted two, but Rahul shouted "NO!" 1 Run.
0.4: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul Shaheen found his radar. A searing yorker, width outside off stump. Rahul chopped down on it late. He couldn't squeeze it past point. Shan Masood dived to his left a brilliant stop. Dot Ball.
Ian Bishop: "That is sharp fielding. Every run is gold dust. Rahul dug that out well, but he can't find the gap."
0.5: Shaheen bowled a length ball. Rahul defended solidly. Dot.
0.6: Rahul pushed a full ball to mid-on. Dot.
Score: India 2/0.
Over 2: The First Blow - Naseem Shah
Nasser Hussain: "Naseem Shah from the other end. He has pace, he has a beautiful action. KL Rahul on strike. He looks tentative. His feet aren't moving towards the pitch of the ball."
Ball 5: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul. Naseem ran in. 142 kph. He bowled just short of a good length, in the channel just outside off. KL Rahul was caught on the crease. He was looking to steer it away to third man with soft hands and an open face a shot he plays often to rotate strike. But the bounce surprised him. It was too close to cut or steer. He cramped himself. The ball took the inside edge. It cannoned into his back pad. And then, in slow motion for a billion Indians, it trickled back and kissed the stumps. The bail fell.
Ravi Shastri (Groaning): "Oh no! Dragged on! Naseem strikes! KL Rahul departs! He was tentative, playing away from his body, and he chops it onto his own stumps! The nightmare returns for India! Pakistan have their early breakthrough! Listen to the roar from the green stands!"
Nasser Hussain: "Naseem roars in celebration! Look at him! He knows how big that wicket is. Rahul never looked settled. 4 off 8 balls. India is 7 for 1, and the pressure has just doubled."
KL Rahul b Naseem Shah 4 (8)Score: India 7/1
The giant screen flashed: VIRAT KOHLI. The Chase Master walked out. He looked intense, bat tucked under his arm. He marked his guard.
1.6: Naseem to Kohli Naseem greeted him with a 140kph delivery outside off. Kohli steered it to point. Squared up a touch. Dot.
End of Over 2.Score: India 7/1.
Over 3: Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf came into the attack. He knew the MCG like the back of his hand, having played for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash.
Ball 1: Rauf to Rohit. 148 kmph. Rohit defended. The ball hit the splice. Dot.
Ball 2: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma. Rauf steamed in. 145 kmph (90mph). He bowled a heavy ball just a fraction full of a good length, in that corridor of uncertainty outside off. Rohit Sharma's feet were stuck in cement. He didn't get forward. He didn't go back. He poked tentatively, playing away from his body the fatal flaw of Indian batters in swinging conditions. A thick outside edge. It flew quickly to the right of the slip fielder. Iftikhar Ahmed at first slip reacted instantly. He dived low, flinging himself to his right. He plucked it inches from the turf.
Ian Bishop (Voice rising): "EDGED TAKEN AND GONE! Haris Rauf gets the captain! Rohit Sharma is out! It was too quick for him! 145 clicks, extra bounce, and Iftikhar takes a blinder at slip! India is in deep, deep trouble! 10 for 2!"
Ravi Shastri: "Disaster! Absolute disaster! Both openers back in the hut inside 4 overs. Rohit Sharma goes for 4. The Indian dugout is stunned. The MCG is shaking with the noise of the Pakistan fans!"
Rohit Sharma c Iftikhar b Rauf 4 (7)Score: India 10/2
The stadium held its breath. 10 for 2. The team was reeling. The crowd began to chant. "AA-RAV! AA-RAV! AA-RAV!"
They expected the Vice-Captain. The man who was the No. 1 T20I batsman in the world. The man who had scored a century on captaincy debut. The man who was the designated Number 4. Aarav Pathak was the firewall India relied on.
But the figure emerging from the dugout was not Aarav. It was Suryakumar Yadav (SKY).
A ripple of confusion went through the stands. Fans looked at each other. "Where is Aarav?" "Why is Surya coming out?" "Did he get injured?"
Nasser Hussain: "Wait a minute. That is Suryakumar Yadav walking out. Where is Aarav Pathak? He is the Vice-Captain. He is the best batter in the world right now. He bats at Number 4. Why hold him back at 10 for 2?"
Ian Bishop: "I am surprised, Nasser. In a crisis like this, you want your best technique, your most composed player. Aarav Pathak has anchored chases in England, in West Indies. SKY is brilliant, but he is a stroke-maker. If he gets out early... India is staring at an abyss."
Wasim Akram: "Maybe they want to save Aarav for the spin? Or maybe they want SKY to counter-attack? But against this pace attack, with the ball moving... holding back your best player is a huge gamble. If India loses another wicket quickly, the game is over."
Ravi Shastri: "I don't understand it. Aarav Pathak has the charisma, the power, and the aura to control a game with Kohli. We saw it in the Asia Cup. Why change a winning formula in a World Cup match against Pakistan? Unless he has a niggle, this is a tactical call that will be debated for years if India loses."
3.3: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav SKY took guard. He looked calm, chewing gum, oblivious to the debate raging above him. Rauf ran in, tails up, looking for a second wicket in the over. He bowled slightly overpitched, searching for swing which never arrived. SKY leaned forward. He presented the full face of the bat. A pristine straight drive. He timed it sweetly past the bowler. The ball raced to the long-off boundary. FOUR.
Nasser Hussain: "Ooft! Stunning start from SKY! The shot of a man in sublime touch. Timed sweetly past the bowler for four. He answers the critics with the bat immediately! That was crisp."
Ian Bishop: "Beautiful shot. But the question remains. Look at the dugout. Aarav Pathak is sitting there with his pads on, helmet off. He looks calm. He agreed to this. But why?"
Ravi Shastri: "SKY could be promoted because he wants to take the attack to them. But Nasser, I still think Aarav should have come. You need stability right now. Kohli and Aarav are the best running pair in the team. They rotate strike. SKY plays high-risk shots. At 10/2, do you want high risk?"
Wasim Akram: "From a Pakistan perspective, we are happy. Aarav Pathak scares us. He stays, he builds, and then he explodes. SKY gives us a chance. If we get him early, we are into the lower order... well, Aarav is still there, but the pressure will be immense on him at Number 5."
Nasser Hussain: "It's a bold call from Rohit and Dravid. Or maybe from Aarav himself? We know he is a selfless leader. Did he volunteer to drop down to let SKY play his natural game? If so, that is brave. But is it smart?"
Score: India 14/2. Target: 155. Equation: 141 needed.
The game had barely begun, and already, the tactical intrigue was as high as the run chase. Kohli and SKY were at the crease, but the shadow of the Vice-Captain loomed large over the MCG.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note: - 6500+ Words
For More Future Chapters: -
My Patreon: -
https://www.patreon.com/c/Kynstra
Thank you very much for all the support and donate power stones!!
Do Comment, anything just comments and Donate Power stone!!
If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback means so much. And feel free to comment on where you think the story should go next—I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future direction!