T20 cricket didn't reward patience.
It punished hesitation.
For Aarav Malhotra, the IPL wasn't about learning a new format.
It was about **unlearning fear**.
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## 🏟️ RCB PRE-SEASON CAMP – BANGALORE (2008)
Red jerseys.
Shorter boundaries.
Louder expectations.
This was not India A.
This was entertainment under floodlights.
Aarav stood at slip during drills, observing.
Dravid.
Kallis.
Kumble.
Different eras.
Same seriousness.
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## 🧠 SYSTEM BOOT – T20 ADAPTATION MODE
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**FORMAT DETECTED:**
➡ Twenty20 Cricket
**Core Conflict Identified:**
✔ Risk vs Consistency
✔ Strike Rate vs Stability
**Primary Objective:**
➡ Dominate Powerplay without reckless exposure
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## 🧩 TEMPLATE REALIGNMENT
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### 🟢 BASE TEMPLATE (DEFAULT)
- **Test Core:** KL Rahul-style discipline
- **ODI Control:** Rotation + boundary targeting
### 🔵 SECONDARY TEMPLATE (ACTIVATED)
- **AB de Villiers:**
- Late bat swing
- Boundary access behind square
### 🔴 SUPPRESSED TEMPLATE
- **Steyn (Bowling):**
- Limited usage
- Emergency overs only
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## 📊 EXPECTED ROLE – RCB INTERNAL BRIEF
**Batting Position:** No. 3
**Entry Window:** Over 2–4
**Target Output:**
- Powerplay SR: 135+
- Risk ceiling: Controlled
Dravid was blunt.
"You don't have to finish games," he said.
"You have to **make them easy**."
Aarav nodded.
That was familiar territory.
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## 🧪 NET SESSIONS – DATA COLLECTION
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### Fast Bowling Drill
- Hard lengths
- Cross-seam deliveries
- Short balls aimed at ribs
**Result:**
✔ Pull shot control stable
✔ Back-foot punch effective
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### Spin Simulation
- Off-spin from Kumble
- Left-arm orthodox variation
**Result:**
✔ Inside-out loft success rate high
✔ Sweep shot still disabled
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## 😄 LIGHT MOMENT – NETS
Aarav middled a straight drive off Kallis.
The sound echoed.
Kallis smiled slightly.
"You don't look like a rookie."
Aarav replied,
"I'm only new to the lights, not the ball."
Dravid overheard.
"Good," he said.
"Lights blind careless players."
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## 🧠 SYSTEM MICRO-UPDATE
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✔ T20 Shot Selection: STABLE
✔ Boundary Access Zones: IDENTIFIED
✔ Panic Response: DISABLED
**WARNING:**
➡ Early IPL overs will test restraint
➡ Crowd noise interference expected
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## 🧭 MENTAL CALIBRATION – NIGHT SESSION
Hotel room.
Curtains closed.
Aarav visualized:
- First ball faced
- Field spread
- Bowler's pace
- Gap behind point
No hero shots.
No desperation.
Just execution.
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## 📞 HOME CALL – SHORT & HUMAN
Mother: "Are you eating properly?"
Aarav: "Too properly."
Father: "Remember your first Ranji match?"
Aarav smiled.
"Same nerves. Bigger screen."
Silence.
Then—
"That means you're ready."
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## 🧠 FINAL PRE-IPL STATUS
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✔ FORMAT TRANSITION: COMPLETE
✔ ROLE ACCEPTANCE: LOCKED
✔ TEAM TRUST: EARNING PHASE
**NEXT TRIGGER EVENT:**
➡ IPL Match 1 – Powerplay Test
➡ First live-fire execution
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T20 cricket didn't scare Aarav Malhotra.
What scared him—
Was wasting a format that could make him unstoppable.
The games were coming.
And the templates were ready.