Match 7 — vs NAA Academy School
The urgency was gone before the toss.
Not because the match didn't matter—but because the outcome no longer decided survival.
NITK had already qualified.
The weight that sharpened every previous game had eased, replaced by something heavier in its own way.
Fatigue.
The lineup reflected it.
A few changes.
A few rested legs.
A few roles adjusted without rehearsal.
Balance shifted.
NAA Academy School played with freedom.
They ran hard. Bowled full. Took risks that only teams with nothing to lose could afford.
NITK felt slow by comparison.
Rudra walked in with the scoreboard reading:
NITK: 61 / 3
Not ideal.
Not desperate.
He took guard calmly, body already aware of its limits.
The first ball came straight on.
He timed it cleanly, guided past mid-on for a single.
Good timing.
No urgency.
Batting Timing
Lv 01 (94 / 100 EXP) → (96 / 100 EXP)
The next few balls followed the same rhythm.
Correct decisions.
Soft hands.
Minimal risk.
But acceleration didn't come.
Not because he couldn't.
Because he didn't need to.
Emotional Control
Lv 05 (100 / 100 EXP) — Maintained
He reached 17 from 13 balls, rotating strike when possible, refusing shots that asked too much from a tired body.
Then fatigue showed.
A fraction late on a pull.
A touch less lift in the legs.
The ball rose gently.
Caught.
Out.
Stamina
Lv 03 (81 / 100 EXP) → (78 / 100 EXP)
The chase never found momentum.
NITK fell short again.
No anger followed.
No frustration.
Just quiet acceptance.
Record settled at 4–3.
Back in the dressing room, someone muttered, "We could've pushed harder."
Rudra shook his head.
"Not today."
Not in regret.
In understanding.
Losses didn't always mean failure.
Sometimes, they meant restraint.
The system stayed silent.
No reward.
No punishment.
Just a body that needed rest—and a mind that knew when to stop pushing.
Tomorrow would matter more.
And Rudra intended to be ready.