Aarav marked his run-up, taking a deep breath as he turned. The white ball gleamed under the Wankhede floodlights. The crowd chanted in rhythm, voices clashing with drums and trumpets. He felt the energy buzzing in his veins, but deep down he knew—one mistake here, and Mumbai's chase could get wings.
Harsha Bhogle: "Interesting move here from Steve Smith. Giving the second over to the youngster, Aarav Reddy. This will be a test of nerves."Sunil Gavaskar: "Yes, Harsha. Bowling in the powerplay is no joke. The batsmen will look to attack. But sometimes, being fearless and unknown works in your favor. Let's see what he has."
First Ball:Aarav charged in, his action smooth, his eyes fixed on Parthiv Patel. He bowled a good length delivery on middle and off. Parthiv leaned forward, looking to punch through the off side, but the ball jagged back in slightly, thudding into his pads. A stifled shout from behind the stumps, but Dhoni signaled calmly with his glove — "Too high."
Commentary:Harsha Bhogle: "Good start from the young man! Full of intent, testing Parthiv Patel straight away. He won't mind that at all."
Aarav exhaled. One ball gone. The nerves loosened slightly.
Second Ball:This time, Aarav pitched it a touch fuller, on off-stump. Parthiv tried to drive on the up. Thick edge! The ball flew past gully, racing down to third man. The crowd erupted. Four runs.
Commentary:Sunil Gavaskar: "Oh, that's unlucky! Not a bad ball at all, but in T20s, the margins are cruel. Thick outside edge and it races away."
Aarav clenched his jaw but forced himself to smile. "Stick to the plan. Don't drift."
Third Ball:He adjusted, going slightly shorter and angling across. Parthiv tapped it gently to point for a single. No harm done.
Commentary:Bhogle: "Good response. Just a single. Aarav looks calm here, which is impressive for someone so new to this stage."
Fourth Ball:Jos Buttler now on strike. The crowd roared louder. Aarav dug in, pitched it just outside off, good length again. Buttler played late, guiding it square past point for two runs.
Commentary:Gavaskar: "That's smart batting from Buttler. Didn't try to muscle it, just used Aarav's pace. But the line was right, forcing him to play."
Aarav turned and walked back, mind ticking fast. "He's reading length early. Need to be tighter."
Fifth Ball:This time Aarav went for the surprise — a back-of-length ball that skidded through. Buttler shaped for the pull but was hurried. The ball thudded into his thigh pad, dropping dead at his feet. Dot ball.
Commentary:Bhogle: "Excellent! That's the ball you want in the powerplay — keep the batsman guessing. Aarav has the courage to vary it."
Dhoni jogged up, whispering: "Good. One more like that. Make him play the wrong shot."
Sixth Ball:Final ball of the over. Aarav took a deep breath, fingers tight on the seam, and ran in with everything. Perfect line on off-stump, angling in. Buttler defended solidly, straight back down the pitch. Dot ball.
The crowd clapped, some in appreciation, some in relief. The over ended: 7 runs, no wickets, but plenty of promise.
Commentary:Gavaskar: "That's a terrific over under pressure. Remember, this is his first time bowling in the powerplay, against quality batsmen like Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler. He held his nerve."Bhogle: "Yes, Sunny. He looked composed, didn't chase magic balls, stuck to his plan. That's a sign of a thinking bowler."
Aarav's Emotions:
As he walked back to his fielding position, Aarav's chest was tight with adrenaline. He hadn't gotten a wicket, but he had survived. He had shown he belonged. The Wankhede crowd's roar didn't crush him — it fueled him.
He smiled faintly, muttering to himself: "One over down. I can do this. I will do this."
And somewhere deep inside, he knew this over wasn't just a start. It was a baptism.