The All-India Open Invitational was not supposed to matter.
It was not a Ranji event.
Not under BCCI's direct control.
No national caps were awarded.
But everyone watched it.
Because it was where selectors looked for **emergencies** — replacements when their favorites failed.
Arjun paid his own entry fee.
No recommendation.
No academy backing.
Just a form and a signature.
When the list of players was posted, his name was there — small, near the bottom.
Mahesh Kulkarni noticed too late.
"This is not under us," one junior selector muttered.
Kulkarni stared at the name.
"Let him play," he said.
"If he fails, it ends."
Arjun took guard.