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Author Thought
Hi,
Everyone just wanted to let you know that I was busy fixing some errors in this chapter and it took me some time to do it.
Just for your understanding the Main Character is representing the Bijnor District in the Inter district level Team name is: Bijnor Warriors.
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The floodlights flickered on just before dusk, casting long shadows across the pitch. The stadium was louder than usual—banners waved, drums echoed, and the commentary box buzzed with anticipation. This was no ordinary fixture. It was the District Premier Showcase, a televised match featuring the best U-14 players from across Uttar Pradesh.
Nikhil stood near the boundary, adjusting Veer's grip, his jersey crisp, his mind quiet. The cameras were everywhere—zooming in on warm-ups, scanning faces, capturing every twitch of emotion. His name had been mentioned in the pre-match segment: "Watch out for Nikhil Srivastam, the quiet finisher from Chandpur representing Bijnor district."
Coach Rameshwar gathered the team. "This isn't just a match. It's a message. Play like you belong. Play like you're already seen."
Viraj leaned over. "You ready to be famous?"
"I'm ready to play," Nikhil replied.
The toss was won by the opposition—Southern Strikers (Jhansi). They chose to bat.
Nikhil was placed at point again. The Strikers openers were aggressive, swinging hard, feeding off the crowd's energy. The first few overs were brutal—three boundaries, and one dropped catch.
Then came the moment.
A thick edge flew toward Nikhil's left. He dove, one hand outstretched, and plucked the ball mid-air. The crowd gasped. The cameras zoomed in. The replay played twice on the stadium screen.
Commentator's voice echoed: "That's Nikhil Srivastam—making the impossible look routine."
The Strikers were restricted to 162 in 30 overs. A competitive total, but chaseable.
During the break, a reporter approached Nikhil near the dugout. "Can we get a quick quote for the broadcast?"
Nikhil shook his head. "After the match."
Coach Rameshwar nodded approvingly. "Focus first. Fame later."
Team Bijnor Warriors began the chase. Viraj gave a fiery start—two boundaries in the first over. But wickets fell quickly. By the 12th over, the score was 68 for 3. Nikhil walked in.
The crowd cheered. The cameras followed.
First ball: dot.
Second ball: single.
Third ball: short. Nikhil pulled—four.
He settled in, rotating strike, guiding the innings. The Strikers bowlers tried everything—slower balls, bouncers, sledges. But Nikhil was unmoved.
By the 25th over, the score was 142 for 5. Nikhil had 34 runs. The required rate was under control.
Then came the twist.
The lights flickered. A brief power glitch. The match paused. The crowd murmured. The players huddled.
Coach Rameshwar walked over. "Stay warm. Stay sharp, Don't lose your focus."
Ten minutes later, play resumed. The pitch had cooled. The ball was skidding.
Nikhil faced the first ball after the break—full and fast. He drove—straight past mid-off. Four.
Next ball: slower one. He waited—cut—two runs.
The chase Continued but the pressure was now on Strikers.
27th over: 15 runs needed.
Nikhil on strike.
First ball: single.
Second ball: dot.
Third ball: wide.
Fourth ball: two runs.
Fifth ball: single.
Last ball of the over: two run to deep cover.
28th over: 8 runs needed
Nikhil on non striker end.
First ball: single.
Second ball: Short ball - lofted over the Third-man six.
Third ball: one needed. Yorker - defended dot.
Fourth ball: again yorker length but Nikhil steps out hitting towards point easy run.
Victory.
The crowd erupted. The cameras zoomed in. The commentator's voice rang out:
"That's Nikhil Srivastam—calm, clinical, and clutch."
After the match, the reporter returned. "Now can we talk?"
Nikhil nodded.
"What's it like playing under the lights, with the whole state watching?"
He paused, then said, "It's just cricket. Whether it's Chandpur or here, the ball still swings. The pressure still bites. You just learn to breathe through it."
The clip went viral.
That night, Nikhil returned home to find his father watching the replay on a borrowed phone. "You looked taller," he said.
"I felt ready," Nikhil replied.
He opened his notebook and wrote:
"Lesson: Spotlight doesn't change the game. Fix: Stay present. Goal: Perform when it matters. Reminder: Lights don't blind. They reveal."
He looked at Veer, then at the screen showing his final shot.
He wasn't just being watched.
He was being remembered.