Aryan decided to use the stat booster cards he got onto his 'Cover Drive' and 'Onside Flick' to get to score on both sides of the pitch. System! Show me the stats panel now.
Ding! Data loading…
Name – Aryan Nachiketa
Age – 11
Cover Drive – 99
Straight Drive – 80
Onside Flick – 99
Offside Cut – 85
Pull – 70
Sweep – 75
Defense – 95
Stamina – 85
Skills – ('Rahul Dravid' Template, 'KL Rahul Onside Flick', 'Babar Azam Cover Drive')
System backpack – (Full Stat Booster Card*5)
Aryan is now ready to go, he put on his pads, helmet, L guard and gloves. With the bat in his hands, he came to the 2nd net for the grind. Yograj Sir is also watching me and giving instructions to the bowler to bowl the tight 4th stumps line. He stared at me to get to know me better and plan accordingly. I just have boosted my stats so it took a couple of balls to get the feel on my bat. After that Yograj Sir and all the people present at the nets get to see the masterclass of an innings. I started to get in rhythm by first leaving some balls, then used my skills for cover drives and flicks. They look like a piece of art as you can well imagine Babar Azam's cover drives. Due to fused Rahul Dravid template, my defense was extraordinary as I was literally the wall for the bowlers. Sweat was dripping from my helmet but I was enjoying the moment. I could also see the admiration and shock in the eyes of Yograj Sir and everyone present.
After an hour, sir stopped me and then walk towards me. He places his hand on my back and said 'Boy you are the prince of cricket'. I thanked him modestly and humbled myself to not look arrogant as I know to be in the good books I have to be polite and humble. After that net session began the grind and fine tunning of skills for me. On weekdays, school in morning and practice in evening and on weekends playing matches for my academy and sometimes for school.
As a result, two years passed by and I followed the same routine. During this time my parents really supported me wholehearted after seeing the passion I have for cricket. Yograj sir imparted me the knowledge of cricketing sense of becoming a tough competitor. I worked on all my skills and they got fit in my muscle memory. During this time, I played for the under-14 and under-16 for Punjab as well. I was the leading run scorer for both the sides. Yuvi paaji became my older brother during this time. He treated me like a younger brother which really pleased me and Yograj sir always taught me not to get complacent and be mentally tough.
March 2014, I came to the academy as usual and sir invited to the side. He looked at me like cherishing a monument. He told me that I was going to selected for the under-19 training camp next month which will held for selecting and nurturing the squad for 2016 under19 world cup. I knew sir might have got some inside scoop but I held my nerves and thanked him first for his mentorship and promised that he will work hard and got selected. He was very satisfied with my reply as I didn't get over excited which boys at my age will show. Then, slowly the month passed as I continue to improve my skills.
On 7th April, I reach the training camp with my bags in Bengaluru. I came with my father as he was also excited and worried so he came for the registration and for providing moral support, I guess. We completed the formalities and then I got meet Rahul Sir. The wall was literally in front of me and I was mesmerized. Rahul sir welcomed me and praised that he had seen me playing a number of times and he was a fan of his cover drives. I reminded him of his playing days when I play defense for a session, as he was right, I got the system template of himself. In the corridor I met some of my teammates like Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, Washington Sundar and many more. I talked to them about the feelings for being selected and the journey from home, all those stuffs that boy group of this age could talk. I have met some of them previously while playing for under-14 and under-16, while some of them were the ones I have seen for the first time.
Next morning, we got to the field and Rahul sir was there with his coaching staff instructing the group to warm up. I know that I have to perform brilliantly from now onwards and show some leadership if I wanted be the captain instead of Ishan. I showed my A game during the drills and the practice session, whether it was batting, bowling and fielding. Yeah! I do some part time leg spin as well. As Yuvi paaji told me do some part time bowling which will sway some selectors in the future at crucial moments. I was not great at bowling but not bad as well, you could assume descent.
A month flew passed amidst the intense camp; I got selected for the 30-man squad for the upcoming under19 world cup. And the further 15 players will be selected from this bunch. I got a good bonding with Rishabh as both of us were mischievous soul. I later returned to Chandigarh and got busy with the daily schedule with practice and matches. Yograj sir was also pleased with the information he got from the training camp.
System! Show me the stats panel now.
Ding! Data loading…
Name – Aryan Nachiketa
Age – 13
Cover Drive – 99
Straight Drive – 85
Onside Flick – 99
Offside Cut – 88
Pull – 80
Sweep – 80
Defense – 95
Stamina – 90
Skills – ('Rahul Dravid' Template, 'KL Rahul Onside Flick', 'Babar Azam Cover Drive')
System backpack – (Full Stat Booster Card*5)