The under-19 World Championship was scheduled in a foreign country, and Arjun's team faced challenges far more complex than domestic cricket.
The pitches were unfamiliar, weather unpredictable, and the crowd energy overwhelming. Opposing teams had stronger physicality, faster bowlers, and aggressive field placements designed to intimidate young Indian players. But Arjun had already prepared for every contingency.
He spent hours before the first match studying video clips of international bowlers, noting subtle tells in their run-up, grip, and wrist movement. He memorized opposition field patterns and past batting tendencies. And he calculated—over and over—the optimal sequence of strike rotation, partnerships, and bowling changes.
The first match was against a strong English side. Their opening bowler was fast, fierce, and aggressive. Most batsmen faltered. Arjun walked to the crease, bat in hand, calm as ever.
First ball: full, swinging in. He left it, reading the movement perfectly.Second ball: shorter, angling across. He guided it for one.Third ball: marginal outside off. He nudged it into the vacant third-man region.
He scored steadily, quietly, and guided his partners with subtle signals. By the time he was out, the scoreboard reflected a modest but critical total. His team won comfortably, not because of spectacular shots, but because Arjun had controlled tempo, influenced bowler behavior, and preemptively closed opportunities for the opposition.
In the field, his tactical mastery became even more evident. He positioned fielders in unorthodox yet effective placements. He instructed bowlers mid-over with quiet gestures, changing lines and lengths to exploit weaknesses. Every move seemed instinctive—but was calculated.
By the end of the group stage, whispers spread: this captain didn't just lead; he predicted. Scouts and commentators began to refer to him quietly as "The Devil of Guntur."