Date: May 17th, 2012.
Location: Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad.
Time: 11:00 AM.
The MRI machine buzzed and clanked away—a sound Deva knew way too well after the last eight weeks. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, thinking about all the ice baths and boring rehab exercises he'd been doing.
"Alright, Sid. You can come out," Dr. Chowdhury said over the intercom.
Deva hopped off the table. He gave his right ankle a little flex. Felt solid. Felt good.
He walked into the office where the doc was checking out the scans. The ligaments that were a mess before now looked smooth and healed on the screen.
"Well?" Deva asked, leaning against the door.
Dr. Chowdhury turned around with a smile. "The MRI looks great. Everything's healed up perfectly. Actually, it looks stronger than normal. Whatever you were doing at home... it worked."
"Just mom's cooking and a lot of sleeping, Doc," Deva grinned.
"I'm clearing you," the doctor said, stamping a paper. "You're good to go. But hey, tape it up for the first game, just in case."
Deva grabbed the paper. It felt heavier than a trophy. He was finally back in the game.
---
Date: May 18th, 2012.
Location: ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad (Team Hotel).
Context: Deccan Chargers Camp.
The mood in the Chargers camp was pretty grim. The team that used to own the league—Champions in '09 and '11—was now sitting dead last.
History:
2008 - Runners Up
2009 - Champions
2010 - Semi Finals
2011 - Champions
2012:
Position: 8th out of 9.
Status: Knocked out.
It had been a nightmare season. Without Deva and Ishant (who also got injured at the start of the season), the bowling had no bite except Dale Steyn.
Kumar Sangakkara had a tough time keeping things together while the losses piled up.
Deva walked into the team meeting room wearing his blue training kit. The chatter stopped instantly. All eyes turned to the door.
Deva leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms with a devilish smirk.
Deva broke the silence, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "Miss me?"
He walked in, pointing a finger at the projector screen which displayed the humiliating Points Table.
"8th position? Seriously?" Deva laughed, shaking his head. "I leave you alone for two months and you guys decide to see what life looks like from the bottom? You drove the car right off the cliff!"
Dale Steyn looked up from his phone, eyes going wide, before bursting into laughter. "Well, look who it is," Steyn drawled. "The part-timer finally decided to show up to work!"
Sanga stood up, a relieved smile on his face, and shook Deva's hand warmly. "We missed you, Sid. Badly. Clearly, we forgot how to drive without you."
"The wheels fell off, mate," Cameron White chuckled. "We've been driving on rims for six weeks."
Amit Mishra hugged him. "Finally! Someone who can actually catch the ball. Do you know how much I've cried this season?"
"I saw it on TV, Mishy," Deva said, patting his back. "I was crying with you. It was painful to watch."
Darren Lehmann, the coach, clapped his hands. "Alright, settle down. The prodigal son returns. Sid, you fit?"
"100 percent, Boof," Deva nodded.
"Good," Lehmann said. "One game left. Tomorrow. Against KKR."
Everyone groaned. Kolkata Knight Riders. Top of the table. Gambhir, Narine, Kallis, McCullum. They were a machine this year.
"It's a dead rubber," Sangakkara said honestly. "Win or lose, we finish 8th. Points don't matter."
Deva stepped up. The Vice-Captain vibe kicked in.
"It matters," Deva said. Everyone looked at him.
"We're playing at home," Deva said firmly. "Uppal. Our fortress. We haven't won a single game here all season. Not one. The fans showed up every time, and we let them down. We owe them. Just one win. One night where they can go home screaming."
Steyn nodded. "He's right. I don't want to leave India feeling like a loser. Let's smash 'em."
"You playing tomorrow?" Lehmann asked.
"Try and stop me," Deva smiled.
---
Channel: Set Max.
Show: Extra Innings T20.
Gaurav Kapur: "Welcome back! It's the final weekend of the league stage. Tonight, we've got a match that doesn't mean much for the points, but means everything for pride. The table-toppers KKR vs the fallen giants, Deccan Chargers."
Sidhu: "Total opposites, Gaurav. KKR is roaring. Gambhir's leading them well, Narine is unplayable. They're favorites. Deccan? They've really fallen from grace. From champs to last place. Sad to see."
Ajay Jadeja: "But there's a twist tonight. Big news from Hyderabad. The Devil Returns. Siddanth Deva is fit."
Gaurav Kapur: "That changes things! The Nawab of Hyderabad is back. He hasn't played for two months, though. Is he match fit? Is he in form? Or is this just for the fans?"
Sidhu: "Form is temporary, class is permanent, but injuries are real, my friend. A tear like that takes time. He might be rusty. Facing Narine after sitting on a sofa for 8 weeks? Tough ask. But if anyone can do it, it's Deva."
Ajay Jadeja: "KKR will go after him. They know he's fresh off the bench. Gambhir will attack. It's gonna be fun to watch."
---
Time: 9:00 PM.
Location: Hotel Room.
Deva lay on the bed. Being back in a hotel felt weird after two months of home food and comfort. He kind of missed the farm.
He picked up his phone.
Dialing: Headache.
"Hello?" Krithika sounded breathless. "I'm studying. Marketing Management. Why are you bugging my future CEO career?"
"Because I have news," Deva said. "Big news."
"Did you break the other leg?" she asked dryly.
"Nope. Opposite. I'm cleared. Playing tomorrow."
Silence. Then...
"FINALLY!"
Deva moved the phone away. "Ow. My ear."
"You deserve it!" she shouted. "Do you know how painful it's been? Sitting in that VIP box, eating cold biryani, watching Deccan lose to Pune Warriors? It was humiliating, Siddarth! I wore the jersey and everything!"
Deva chuckled. "I heard the biryani was decent."
"It tastes like sadness when you're losing!" she shot back. "You gave me season passes for what? To watch Deccan loose? What's the point of a VIP box if the V.I.P isn't playing?"
"I'm playing tomorrow," Deva promised. "Against KKR."
"KKR? They're number one. Gambhir, Narine... you're walking into a slaughter."
"Thanks for the confidence."
"Just being real," she said. "But... at least I get to see you. In the kit. On the field. Not hobbling around on crutches."
"You liked the crutches," Deva teased. "Made me slow enough for you to catch me."
"Shut up," she laughed. "Okay. I'll be there. Me, Anjali, and the twins. Front row. Don't get out for a duck, please. That would be so lame."
"I'll try my best," Deva said. "And Krithika?"
"Yeah?"
"Wear that blue dress. The one you bribed your sister for."
He could practically hear her blushing.
"Maybe," she whispered. "If I find it. Goodnight, Player."
"Goodnight, Shorty."
---
Date: May 20th, 2012.
Event: DC vs KKR.
The stadium was packed. Despite the awful season, Hyderabad showed up. Why? Because the news leaked. The Nawab was back.
Banners everywhere.
"WELCOME BACK DEVA"
"THE DEVIL RETURNS"
Deva walked out to warm up. The roar was insane. Louder than the toss. He waved to the stands and looked up at the VIP box.
There she was. Wearing the blue dress. Leaning over the rail, waving a flag.
Deva smiled. Game on.
The Toss:
Gambhir spun it. Sanga called Heads.
Tails.
Gambhir: "We'll bat. Good wicket. We want some batting practice before the playoffs. Keep the momentum going."
Sangakkara: "We would've bowled anyway. We want to chase. Last game, want to give the crowd something to cheer about. And yes, Deva is back in playinf XI."
The crowd went nuts.
---
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was a cauldron of noise. The orange sunset had faded into the inky blue of twilight, and the floodlights washed the green turf in clinical brilliance. The stands were a sea of blue jerseys, flags waving rhythmically to the beat of the DJ. They weren't here for the points table; they were here for the return of their hero.
Siddanth Deva stood at mid-off, adjusting his cap. He felt the turf under his spikes—firm, familiar.
Gautam Gambhir and Brendon McCullum walked out to the crease. The KKR opening pair was one of the most destructive in the league. Gambhir, the intense captain, and McCullum, the Kiwi blaster.
Dale Steyn took the new ball. The "Steyn Gun."
Over 1: Dale Steyn to Brendon McCullum
Steyn steamed in, veins popping.
0.1: 145 kmph outswinger. McCullum left it alone.
0.2: Short and wide. McCullum slashed.
Commentary (Danny Morrison): "SMASHED! McCullum doesn't need sighters! He sees width and he throws the kitchen sink at it! The ball rockets over point for the first boundary of the night!" (FOUR)
0.6: Steyn went full. McCullum drove straight.
Commentary (Ravi Shastri): "Straight as an arrow! You can't set a field for that. McCullum is looking dangerous early on." (FOUR)
KKR was 10/0 after the first over.
Over 2: Veer Pratap Singh to Gautam Gambhir
The young domestic pacer looked nervous.
1.3: Short ball. Gambhir swiveled.
Commentary (Sunil Gavaskar): "Too short to Gambhir! You can't bowl there. He pulls it in front of square, splitting the fielders perfectly. Four runs." (FOUR)
1.5: Full toss. Gambhir drove through covers.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "A gift! Gambhir accepts it with glee. That's a creamy cover drive. KKR are racing away here." (FOUR)
Score: 22/0 after 2 overs.
Kumar Sangakkara looked worried. He glanced at Deva. Deva nodded. Give me the ball.
Over 3: Siddanth Deva to Brendon McCullum
The crowd erupted as Deva marked his run-up. The first time in two months.
Deva didn't go full pace.
2.1: Deva bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, seaming in.
McCullum tried to cut. He was cramped for room.
Inside edge onto pads. No run.
2.2: Deva went fuller. 142 kmph.
McCullum stepped out. He lofted it over mid-on.
Commentary (Harsha Bhogle): "In the air... and safe! It lands in no-man's land. McCullum is living dangerously, but he gets two runs." (2 Runs)
2.3: Deva smiled. He went round the wicket.
He bowled the 'Heavy Ball'. It hit the deck and rose sharply towards the ribcage.
McCullum fended it off awkwardly.
Dot.
2.4: Deva to McCullum.
Deva saw McCullum shuffling to the off-side to access the leg boundary.
Deva changed his grip. Knuckleball.
McCullum swung hard, expecting 140 kmph. The ball arrived at 118 kmph.
He was way too early. The bat sliced through the air.
The ball hit the top of the off-stump with a soft clunk.
Commentary (Ravi Shastri): "CASTLED! The Devil strikes in his first over back! He outthinks the Kiwi! The change of pace was absolute genius. McCullum was through the shot before the ball arrived! Look at the crowd! They are going bonkers!"
WICKET (McCullum 14 off 11).
Score: 24/1.
Jacques Kallis walked in. The legendary all-rounder.
Deva finished the over tight. Just 3 runs and a wicket.
Over 4: Amit Mishra conceded 6 runs.
Over 5: Siddanth Deva to Gautam Gambhir
Deva continued his spell, bowling his second over in the Powerplay.
4.1: Good length, outside off. Gambhir steered to third man. 1 Run.
4.2: Kallis defended.
4.3: Deva to Kallis. Inswinger. Kallis flicked to mid-wicket. 1 Run.
4.4: Deva to Gambhir.
Deva bowled a bouncer. Gambhir ducked.
4.5: Deva went full. Gambhir drove to mid-off.
4.6: Deva bowled a cutter. Gambhir played it back.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "A brilliant over from Deva! Just 2 runs off it in the over. He is tying them down."
Powerplay Score: KKR 45/1.
Gambhir was on 20. Kallis on 8.
Part 2: The Middle Phase Grind (Overs 7-14)
Over 8: Dale Steyn to Kallis
Steyn returned.
7.2: Kallis drove Steyn on the up.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Class! Pure class from Jacques Kallis. High elbow, perfect balance. The ball races through the covers. Even Steyn has to applaud that." (FOUR)
Over 10: Amit Mishra
Gambhir was looking set for a big one.
9.3: Gambhir swept Mishra fine.
Commentary (Shastri): "Fine leg was up, and Gambhir knew it. He plays the paddle sweep to perfection. Four more." (FOUR)
Score at 11 Overs: 88/1.
Gambhir: 45. Kallis: 28.
Sangakkara called Amit Mishra for another over.
Over 12: Amit Mishra to Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir stepped out, trying to launch Mishra over long-off.
Mishra saw him coming. He dragged the length back and bowled a googly.
Gambhir wasn't to the pitch of the ball. He sliced it.
Daniel Christian at long-off took a comfortable catch.
Commentary (Danny Morrison): "Gone! The Captain departs! Mishra tosses it up and buys the wicket! Gambhir goes for 47! Just when KKR was looking to accelerate!"
WICKET (Gambhir 47 off 38).
Score: 98/2.
Manoj Tiwary walked in.
Over 14: Daniel Christian
Tiwary looked nervous.
13.4: Christian bowled a slower ball.
Tiwary checked his drive. It popped up to cover.
Shikhar Dhawan took the catch.
WICKET (Tiwary 4).
Score: 110/3.
Yusuf Pathan walked in. The destroyer.
---
Over 16: Veer Pratap Singh
Yusuf Pathan didn't wait.
15.2: Veer Pratap bowled a length ball.
Yusuf cleared his front leg. He bludgeoned it over long-on.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "That is brute force! Yusuf Pathan muscles it into the stands! The ball is lost! Six runs!" (SIX)
KKR accelerated. Kallis reached his 50.
Score after 17 Overs: 145/3.
Kallis: 58. Yusuf: 20.
Sangakkara threw the ball to Deva. "Death overs, Sid. Do your thing."
Over 18: Siddanth Deva to Jacques Kallis
Deva returned for his second spell. The death specialist.
17.1: Deva to Kallis.
Deva bowled a wide yorker.
Kallis reached for it. He squeezed it to deep point. 1 Run.
17.2: Deva to Yusuf.
Yusuf swung hard. Inside edge onto pads. 1 Run.
17.3: Deva to Kallis.
Kallis moved across his stumps to play the scoop.
Deva saw the movement. He didn't bowl the yorker.
He bowled a fast bouncer. Directed at the grill.
Kallis was in a terrible position. He tried to fend it off.
The ball kissed the glove.
Kumar Sangakkara jumped high and took the catch.
Commentary (Shastri): "Got him! The Devil gets the Legend! Kallis tried to get cute, but Deva was too smart! That bouncer was nasty! KKR 4 down!"
WICKET (Kallis 59 off 45).
Score: 147/4.
Debabrata Das walked in.
Deva finished the over brilliantly, conceding just 4 runs and a wicket.
Over 19: Dale Steyn
Steyn bowled fast.
18.1: Yusuf smashed a length ball for SIX over mid-wicket.
18.4: Das hit a FOUR through fine leg.
14 runs off the over.
Score: 165/4.
Over 20: Siddanth Deva
Last over. Yusuf Pathan (28*) on strike.
Deva adjusted his field. Long-on back. Deep mid-wicket back. Third man up.
Ball 19.1: Deva to Yusuf Pathan
Deva ran in.
He bowled a wide yorker.
Yusuf reached for it. He squeezed it out to deep point.
He refused the single.
Dot.
Ball 19.2: Deva to Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf was dangerous. He wanted a six.
Deva saw Yusuf's stance—open, ready to slog.
Deva bowled a bouncer. 146 kmph.
Yusuf was cramped. He tried to hook.
He got a top edge.
The ball went straight up in the air.
Deva ran down the pitch. "Mine!"
He settled under it near the batting crease.
He took it calmly.
Commentary (Gavaskar): "Gone! Deva gets the big man! The bouncer works perfectly again. Yusuf Pathan is cramped for room and skies it. Deva takes a simple catch off his own bowling! That is wicket number 3!"
WICKET (Yusuf Pathan 28).
Rajat Bhatia walked in.
Ball 19.3: Deva to Debabrata Das
Deva bowled a slower ball off-cutter.
Das waited. He swatted it over mid-wicket for FOUR.
Score: 169.
Ball 19.4: Deva to Debabrata Das
Deva bowled full and straight.
Das drove it to long-on.
They ran hard. Two runs.
2 Runs.
Score: 171.
Ball 19.5: Deva to Debabrata Das
Deva missed the yorker slightly. Low full toss.
Das whipped it to deep square leg.
They ran one. They pushed for two.
Shikhar Dhawan's throw was flat.
Run out at the keeper's end.
WICKET (Das Run Out 13).
Score: 172/6.
Ball 19.6: Deva to Rajat Bhatia
Final ball.
Deva ran in.
He bowled the perfect yorker on middle stump.
Bhatia dug it out. It rolled to short fine leg.
They ran for 2 runs.
Final Score: 175/6.
Commentary (Shastri): "Chaos! Absolute chaos in the final over! Wickets tumbling, runs scrambling! KKR finishes on 175 for 6! A competitive total, but Deccan will feel they pulled it back at the death!"
Part 5: Innings Summary & Math Check
KKR Innings Total: 175/7 (20 Overs)
---
Gaurav Kapur: "176 to win. The pitch is playing well, but KKR has mystery spin. Sunil Narine is the threat. Deccan needs a flyer. Can Deva do it with the bat too?"
Deva walked off the field, high-fiving Steyn.
"176," Deva said. "Achievable."
"Only if we don't collapse," Steyn muttered.
Deva looked at the VIP box. Krithika was clapping.
He smiled. Time to bat.
---
Poll : Should India win T20 World cup 2012?
Yes
No