Date: November 8th, 2012.
Location: NEXUS Headquarters, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad.
Time: 10:00 AM.
Siddanth Deva stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the sprawling IT parks of Hyderabad. He wasn't wearing his India blues or his training kit. He wore a simple, loose black t-shirt and dark olive cargo pants.
Behind him, sitting at the head of a massive mahogany table, was Arjun Reddy, the CEO of NEXUS, rapidly typing on his tablet. Standing near the polished oak double doors was Rahul, Deva's impeccable Personal Assistant and Talent Manager, checking his watch with military precision.
"They are in the elevator, Sir," Rahul announced, adjusting his earpiece. "The lobby security just cleared them."
Deva turned away from the window. "Show them in, Rahul. Arjun, put the tech specs away. We are talking cricket today."
"Cricket and money, Sid," Arjun grinned, locking his tablet. "They are the exact same thing in this country."
The heavy oak doors swung open.
Rahul stepped aside, ushering in a formidable entourage. At the center walked Kalanithi Maran, the billionaire media baron and the founder of the Sun TV Network. He was dressed in a pristine white shirt and formal trousers, exuding the quiet, absolute authority of old-school wealth. Flanking him were his personal assistant and three senior executives from his sports management division, all carrying thick leather portfolios.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had formally terminated the Deccan Chargers franchise just weeks prior. In the ensuing rapid-fire auction for a new Hyderabad-based team, the Sun TV Network had won the bid. The city's cricket team was saved, reborn as the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
And now, the new owner had come to meet the city's Prince.
"Mr. Maran," Deva stepped forward, offering a warm, firm handshake. "Welcome to NEXUS. It is an honor to host you."
Maran smiled, shaking Deva's hand warmly, his sharp eyes taking in the luxurious boardroom and the confident 20-year-old standing before him in casual wear. "The honor is mine, Siddanth. I must say, your office is incredibly impressive. I knew you were involved in technology, but this... this is a proper empire."
"We like to keep busy during the off-season, Sir," Deva said smoothly. He gestured to his best friend. "Please, allow me to introduce my partner and the CEO of NEXUS, Arjun Reddy. And my manager, Rahul."
Arjun shook hands with the media mogul. "Welcome, Sir. Please, have a seat. Can we offer you some coffee? Our barista makes a phenomenal brew."
"Coffee would be perfect, Arjun. Thank you," Maran said, taking the seat opposite Deva at the center of the table. His executives fanned out beside him, pulling out notepads and iPads.
Rahul quickly arranged for the refreshments, moving silently around the room before taking a seat against the back wall, ready to take minutes.
---
The coffee arrived, filling the chilled boardroom with the rich aroma of roasted chicory. For a few minutes, pleasantries were exchanged. Maran congratulated Deva on the T20 World Cup victory and his stellar personal form. Deva complimented the reach of the Sun TV network. It was the necessary corporate dance before the swords were drawn.
Maran placed his coffee cup on the saucer. The smile remained, but his posture shifted. The media baron meant business.
"Siddanth," Maran began, his voice smooth but direct. "Let us get straight to the point. We have bought a cricket franchise. We know broadcasting, we know entertainment, but running a sports team requires a different kind of architecture. The Deccan Chargers brand is dead. We are building the Sunrisers from the ashes."
Maran leaned forward, folding his hands on the table.
"Kumar Sangakkara led the team last year. He is a legend, a true gentleman of the game. But we must face facts. He is getting older. The format is getting faster. The team finished dead last in 2012 when you were injured. We need a fresh start. We need a new identity."
Maran looked Deva dead in the eye.
"We want you to be the face of the Sunrisers. We want you to be the Captain of this franchise."
Deva didn't flinch. He had anticipated this. In fact, he had planned for it.
"I am honored, Sir," Deva said, his voice calm and measured. "Hyderabad is my home. Leading the city's franchise has always been my ultimate goal."
"Good," Maran nodded, though a hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes. "Because I will be completely transparent with you, Siddanth. We know the market. We know your value. I also know, through very reliable channels, that Indiawin Sports—the Mumbai Indians management—has been in contact with your representatives."
Maran paused, letting the weight of the Ambani name hang in the air.
"I know they have offered you a blank cheque," Maran continued softly. "I know they want to pair you with Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. I am a wealthy man, Siddanth, but fighting an endless bidding war with Mumbai is not good business. However, I am willing to make any changes you want in the current setup. Whatever terms you need, we will meet them. We cannot afford to lose the heart of Hyderabad to Mumbai."
Deva looked at Maran. He appreciated the honesty. In a world of corporate smoke and mirrors, Maran was laying his cards on the table.
Deva leaned back in his leather chair, a slow, reassuring smile spreading across his face.
"Mr. Maran, you can sleep peacefully tonight," Deva said, his voice ringing with absolute certainty. "Mumbai Indians did reach out. They offered the moon. But I told them no."
Maran exhaled visibly, the tension in his shoulders dropping. His executives exchanged relieved glances.
"I told them," Deva continued, "that my blood is made of Hyderabadi biryani. I told them that Siddanth Deva will only play for Hyderabad in this lifetime. No amount of money, no private jets, and no super-teams will ever make me wear blue and gold. I belong to this city."
Maran's face broke into a wide, genuine grin. "Siddanth... thank you. That level of loyalty is rare in today's game. You have my gratitude."
"I am a man of my word," Deva said. "I accept the captaincy. But, as you mentioned, we need to rebuild. Which brings me to the cricketing setup."
Deva leaned forward, tapping his pen on the table.
"If I am taking the wheel," Deva started, "I need to know the engine room is secure. First and foremost, I want Darren Lehmann to continue as the Head Coach of the team."
One of Maran's executives frowned, looking at his iPad. "Mr. Deva, the team finished last under his coaching in 2012. Shouldn't a new brand have a new coach?"
"The team finished last because they lacked resources and had no bowling attack due to injuries," Deva countered sharply, defending his coach. "Boof—Darren—is a brilliant man-manager. He understands the Australian grit, and he understands the Indian mindset. He doesn't complicate things. We won the 2009 and 2011 titles together. He and I have a fantastic working relationship and a mutual understanding of what we demand from the players. If I am captain, Lehmann is my coach."
Maran looked at his executive and nodded. "Noted. Darren Lehmann stays as Head Coach. What else?"
"I want a mentor," Deva said. "Someone who commands absolute respect in the dressing room, someone who understands the local culture, and someone who can act as a sounding board for me during high-pressure situations."
"Who do you have in mind?" Maran asked.
"VVS Laxman," Deva stated.
Maran's eyebrows raised. "Laxman? He has recently retired from international cricket. That is an interesting choice."
"He is the ultimate Hyderabadi icon," Deva explained. "The domestic players worship him. The international players respect his legendary status. Having VVS in the dugout brings an aura of calm. When things get chaotic—and in T20, they always do—I need his icy temperament for balance."
"A very astute observation," Maran agreed, motioning for his assistant to write it down. "We will reach out to VVS immediately and offer him the Mentor role."
Maran cleared his throat, pulling a folder closer to him. "Since we are on the topic of management, Siddanth, we wanted to run an idea by you. As a new franchise, we want to ensure robust cricketing operations. We are currently in advanced talks to bring in Kris Srikkanth to lead a 'Management Committee' for the Sunrisers. He just finished his term as the Chairman of Selectors for the BCCI. We feel his experience would be invaluable in steering the franchise."
Deva's expression didn't change, but his eyes hardened slightly. He had dealt with the BCCI selection committees. He knew how 'management groups' operated. They meant endless meetings, conflicting opinions, and political interference in team selections.
Deva looked directly at Maran. He had to nip this in the bud.
"Mr. Maran," Deva said, his voice meticulously polite but laced with an unyielding finality. "With all due respect to Cheeka Sir and his immense contributions to Indian cricket... there is absolutely no need for him, or a committee, in this franchise."
The boardroom went dead silent. Maran's executives looked shocked. A 21-year-old was blatantly rejecting the inclusion of a World Cup-winning selector.
"No need?" Maran asked softly, testing the waters.
"None," Deva affirmed, holding the owner's gaze. "Committees breed politics. They breed confusion. If you have a management committee above the coach and the captain, the players don't know who is actually running the team. When a player gets dropped, he blames the committee. It fractures the dressing room."
Deva leaned back, projecting absolute authority. "Keep it lean, Sir. You are the Owner. You write the cheques. I am the Captain. Lehmann is the Coach. Laxman is the Mentor. We make the cricketing decisions. We take the responsibility. If we fail, you hold me accountable. But I am perfectly good with the current setup. We do not need a management committee looking over our shoulders."
Maran stared at Deva for a long, calculating moment. He saw no arrogance in the boy's eyes, only absolute, cold logic and a terrifyingly clear vision for leadership.
Maran slowly turned to his assistant. "Strike the committee idea from the agenda. Cancel the talks with Mr. Srikkanth. We proceed with Captain Deva's structure."
The assistant nodded, drawing a thick black line through his notes.
Deva allowed a small, inward smile. He had just secured total control of the Sunrisers dressing room.
"Excellent," Deva said, seamlessly transitioning the flow of the meeting. "Now that the cricket operations are secure, let us talk about the brand. Specifically, the commercial side."
Arjun sat up slightly straighter in his chair. This was his cue.
"Mr. Maran," Deva asked casually, picking up his coffee cup. "Have there been any advanced talks regarding the title sponsorships for the new SRH kits? The front-of-shirt sponsor?"
Maran smiled, looking comfortable again as the topic shifted to his domain of media and marketing. "We have had inquiries, yes. Sahara, Muthoot, a few telecom companies. But honestly, Siddanth, we hit pause on all of them."
"Oh? Why is that?" Deva asked innocently.
"Leverage," Maran said, tapping his temple. "We wanted to finalize our talks with you today. Once we have your firm confirmation on paper that Siddanth Deva, the World Cup MVP, the No 1 cricketer in the World, is the official Captain of the Sunrisers, the value of that shirt real estate triples. When we go back to the sponsors tomorrow, we leverage your face to demand a massive premium."
Deva nodded slowly, putting his cup down. "That is very smart business, Sir."
"Thank you. It's how the game is played."
"However," Deva said "You don't need to go back to those sponsors tomorrow."
Maran frowned, confused. "I don't?"
"No," Deva said, gesturing vaguely around the luxurious, high-tech boardroom. "Because the main sponsor you are looking for is sitting right across this table."
Maran blinked. His executives stopped writing.
"NEXUS," Deva stated clearly. "NEXUS wants to be the main, front-of-shirt title sponsor for the Sunrisers Hyderabad."
Arjun allowed a massive, shark-like grin to spread across his face, watching the media mogul process the ambush.
"NEXUS?" Maran repeated, looking from Deva to Arjun. "Your software company?"
"We are not just a software company anymore, Sir," Arjun chimed in smoothly. "We are launching a revolutionary hardware product in a few months. The Bolt 1 smartphone. We need eyes. We need a billboard that reaches a billion people. There is no bigger billboard in India than the chest of an IPL jersey."
Maran looked astounded. The cricket captain sitting in front of him wasn't just asking for field placements; he was executing a multi-million dollar corporate takeover of his team's advertising space.
"Siddanth," Maran said slowly, a mix of admiration and wariness in his tone. "This is... highly irregular. A captain's company sponsoring the very team he plays for? It blurs the lines."
"It creates synergy," Deva corrected instantly. "The fans love me. The fans love the team. If my company sponsors the team, the local loyalty to the brand will be off the charts."
Maran rubbed his chin. "The market rate for a title sponsor of a premium IPL team is exorbitant, Siddanth. We are talking tens of crores annually."
Deva leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. He locked eyes with the billionaire.
"I know the market rate, Mr. Maran," Deva said, his voice devoid of emotion, purely transactional. "And let me be perfectly clear. We will let your management team and Arjun talk about the exact financial details of the deal later today. I want to assure you of one thing: I will pay you a fair price."
Deva raised a hand to emphasize his point.
"I do not want to exploit my position as your captain," Deva continued firmly. "I am not going to hold a gun to your head and say, 'Give NEXUS a discount or I will leave the team.' That is cheap, and it is bad business. We will pay the premium market valuation you desire. Give us fair terms, and we will sign the cheque today."
Deva paused, letting the promise of fair money settle in Maran's mind before dropping the hammer.
"But," Deva's voice hardened into absolute steel. "Just so we understand each other perfectly... I want NEXUS to be the main sponsor at any cost. I don't care what Sahara offers. I don't care what Muthoot offers. We will outbid them. That chest space belongs to my company. It is a non-negotiable vision for my brand."
Maran stared at the 21-year-old. He had negotiated with cutthroat politicians, ruthless businessmen, and global conglomerates. But looking at Siddanth Deva, he saw a terrifying hybrid—a man with the beloved, untouchable public image of Sachin Tendulkar, operating with the ruthless, monopolistic ambition of Dhirubhai Ambani.
It was brilliant. And it was highly profitable.
Maran slowly broke into a smile, then a laugh. He clapped his hands once.
"You are a very dangerous young man, Siddanth," Maran laughed, shaking his head. "Fair terms. Market value. The highest bidder. And the Captain stays happy? I see absolutely no reason to refuse."
Maran turned to his lead executive. "Draft the Title Sponsorship paperwork for NEXUS. Give Mr. Reddy the premium valuation figures."
"Yes, Sir," the executive nodded, looking at Deva with newfound respect.
Deva offered a slight, acknowledging nod to Maran. The corporate ambush had been executed flawlessly. The Bolt 1 was going to debut on the chest of the IPL champions.
---
With the billion-rupee sponsorship handshake completed, the tension in the room dissipated, replaced by the collaborative energy of partners building a new enterprise.
"Now," Maran said, loosening his tie slightly. "Let us return to the cricket. The squad."
Maran pulled out a roster sheet. "The Deccan Chargers squad of 2012 was, frankly, a disaster. The team lacked balance, depth, and bowling teeth. We have inherited this roster, but the BCCI has granted us a few benefits and purse relaxations as we are technically a 'new' team entering the fold."
"I know," Deva nodded. "We have the option to retain key players before throwing the rest into the auction pool."
"Precisely," Maran agreed. "We will obviously retain you. We plan to retain Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, and a few others. They are the core. But the rest of the squad needs a complete overhaul. The auction is coming up soon. We need a strategy."
"A strategy," Deva mused, his mind already calculating combinations. He knew exactly which players were undervalued in the current market, and which players would explode in value in the coming years.
"Mr. Maran," Deva said, pulling a blank sheet of paper towards him. "I will not just give you a strategy. I will make a highly specific, tiered list of players I want in my squad, ranked by priority. I know the domestic circuit. I know the international freelancers who fit the T20 mold."
"That would be incredibly helpful," Maran said, looking relieved. "I do not pretend to be a scouting expert."
"I will identify a core group of Indian all-rounders and explosive overseas middle-order bats," Deva promised. "I will give this list to your management team a week before the auction. If we execute this draft correctly, we won't just compete this year; we will build a dynasty."
For the next hour, they didn't talk high-level business. They descended into the beautiful, granular weeds of cricket. Deva and Maran discussed pitch preparations at Uppal, the need for a dedicated data analytics team, and the marketing campaign to transition the city's loyalty from the Bull to the rising Sun.
Deva spoke with a passion and clarity that captivated the room. He wasn't just a player waiting for a paycheck; he was an architect designing his own colosseum.
Two full hours after they had entered, the heavy oak doors of the boardroom opened.
Handshakes were exchanged, warmer and more significant than before. The deal was finalized. The contracts were verbally sealed. Siddanth Deva was the Captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and NEXUS was the financial engine backing them.
Rahul escorted Kalanithi Maran and his entourage back to the VIP elevators.
The glass doors of the boardroom closed, leaving only Deva, Arjun, and Rahul (who immediately returned) alone in the room.
The silence hung for exactly three seconds.
Then, Arjun let out a long, loud, piercing whistle.
He threw his tablet onto the table, ran his hands through his hair, and looked at Deva as if he were staring at an alien.
"I can't believe you just did that," Arjun laughed, his voice ringing with disbelief and adrenaline. "I cannot believe you just hijacked a cricket meeting to buy a multi-crore title sponsorship."
Deva walked over to the coffee machine, pouring himself a fresh cup. He looked perfectly calm. "It made logical sense. They needed money. We needed a billboard."
"A billboard?" Arjun shouted happily. "Sid, you just put the NEXUS logo on the chest of an IPL team! Do you know how much exposure that is? Every time you hit a six, the camera zooms in on you. The camera zooms in on our logo! The 'Bolt 1' is going to have a marketing campaign that Apple would kill for!"
Rahul, usually the epitome of professional restraint, was smiling broadly. "It was a masterclass in negotiation, Sir. You gave them the illusion of leverage, and then you bought the leverage yourself."
"It's about synergy, guys," Deva said, taking a sip of his black coffee, looking out over the city of Hyderabad. "I play cricket to win. I build tech to win. Why shouldn't the two help each other out?"
As Arjun grabbed his tablet and headed for the door to finalize the numbers with his finance team, Deva stepped out of the boardroom and onto the executive balcony. The afternoon sun of Hyderabad was warm, the traffic below reduced to a silent hum through the thick glass barriers.
He pulled his phone and scrolled to a highly respected number. He hit dial.
It rang twice before a calm, polite voice answered.
"Hello, Siddanth."
"VVS bhai," Deva smiled, leaning against the glass railing. "I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Not at all, Sid. Just finishing lunch," VVS Laxman replied. "How are you? I read about the new Hyderabad franchise. The Sun TV network bought it. Sunrisers, they are calling it?"
"Yes, bhai. Sunrisers Hyderabad," Deva confirmed. "Actually, that is why I am calling. I just had a meeting with Kalanithi Maran and the new management team here at the NEXUS office."
"Oh? That was fast," Laxman noted. "What did they say?"
"They wanted a fresh start," Deva said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and deep respect. "They have officially made me the Captain of the franchise. I'll be replacing Sangakkara for the upcoming season."
There was a brief pause on the line, followed by a warm, genuine laugh of approval.
"Congratulations, Sid! That is wonderful news," Laxman said, his voice swelling with pride for the young local boy who had taken the world by storm. "To lead the Hyderabad franchise permanently... it is a massive honor. Especially after you took over the reins midway. Sanga is a great man, but this city needs its own son leading the charge."
"Thank you, VVS bhai. It means a lot coming from you," Deva said, looking out at the city skyline. "But I also told them that I can't do this alone. I need someone in the dugout who understands this city's cricket culture better than anyone else. Someone who can keep my head cool when the pressure hits."
"Oh?"
"I suggested they bring you on board as the Mentor for the team," Deva revealed smoothly. "Mr. Maran agreed immediately. You should be expecting an official call from their management by this evening."
Laxman was silent for a moment, clearly touched by the gesture of respect from the new captain.
"Mentor," Laxman said softly, letting the word sink in. "Sid, that is... very thoughtful of you. I would be incredibly honored to guide this new franchise. And to work alongside you."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, bhai," Deva smiled. "We are going to build a dynasty here. I need your brain in the dugout to balance out my aggression."
"I will be ready," Laxman promised, a new fire in his voice. "We will talk soon, Captain."
The Sunrisers era was officially born.
---
A/N: Can someone calculate Deva's in every format of the game, including IPL?