Kapitel 48: Chapter 48: Back to the Team
At long last, my exams have come to an end and it's time for me to head back to the team residence. As I was packing my stuff, I could feel the excitement building inside me - the team is currently training for the upcoming series, and I can't wait to be a part of it.
What's especially wonderful about having a series in India is that if you're not selected to play for any series in a bilateral tournament, you don't have to march around with the entire team. It's a relief to know that I can take a break and focus on my studies.
Now that I'm free from exams, I'm eager to get back to training and work hard to earn my spot on the team.
With my bags packed and my mind focused, I'm ready to head back to Mumbai for the upcoming training sessions. Before I leave, however, I have to make sure everything is in order.
As I bid farewell to Nanaji, he reminds me to send someone to pick them up once they reach Delhi. "We will give you a call when we reach Delhi," he says with a smile.
Excitement builds inside me as I think about the upcoming series, and I can't wait to show off my skills in front of my loved ones. I've even invited Nanaji and my mother to come watch me play the first two ODIs in Delhi and Faridabad, respectively.
As an active member of the team, I'm given three passes that I can use to bring along any three people to the matches. It's an incredible feeling knowing that I have the opportunity to share this experience with my family and friends.
Even though I haven't had the chance to meet Virat in person this time around, I made sure to give him a call and extend an invitation for him and his family to come watch me play. To make things even easier, I sent five passes straight to his address, hoping that they can join me for the upcoming matches.
I asked some of my team members for passes. I offered to distribute all my passes for the last five ODIs, which are taking place in locations far away from home. Since it's unlikely that anyone else will be able to come and support me at those venues.
[Some days earlier]
A few days ago, I dialed Virat's number to inform him about the passes I had posted for his family to come watch me play in the ODI series against England. I tried calling him once, but he didn't answer. Luckily, he picked up on the second try.
"Hello?" he said.
"Hello, Bsdk," I replied. I knew Virat would recognize my voice right away.
"You're so busy these days that you can't even pick up my call?" I teased.
"Why should I pick up your call? Are you my father or something, Bench*d?" Virat shot back.
"What? You didn't know the truth? Virat, I am your father," I replied, trying to sound as deep as possible.
"Bkch*di nhi. I'm ending this call if you say anything else stupid," Virat replied, but I knew he wasn't really mad at me.
"Forget it. I just called to tell you that I've been selected to play against England in the ODI series, and I've sent five passes for the Delhi match. I was hoping you and your family could come," I said.
"I'll try, man," Virat replied in a meek voice.
"What do you mean, 'try'? You have no match schedules for all of March and April, and it's only one day. Oh, wait, it's your girlfriend's birthday that day, right?" I teased.
"It's not like that. It's just...you know… I am jealous of you. We both started playing together, and now you're playing for India while I'm stuck here. Do I have what it takes to reach the top? Look at you, you've scored the fastest fifty and taken crucial wickets in international matches. Meanwhile, I'm just stuck playing for Delhi for how many years, I don't even remember," Virat replied solemnly.
"I'll say one thing to you. Just focus on cricket for the next two years, no matter what the situation is. I guarantee that you'll shine brighter than anyone else. Just two years, and if it doesn't come true, I'll leave cricket forever. Bet?" I said.
"Are you crazy? Did you get hit by a bouncer or someone f*cked you in your ass? What's there to bet on? I'll be playing cricket until my last breath," Virat replied with a newfound determination.
"This much energy! Ahh, no Chiku, no! I'm going to die, Itna bdaa…. Determination" I teased Virat.
"I'll f*ck you up," Virat replied angrily.
"Okay, okay, you gotta come, okay? I'm ending the call now. Our Vidhayak is here," I said.
"Vidhayak? Why?" Virat asked.
"I'll tell you the story in the Indian Dressing Room," I said, and then I hung up.
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As I finally arrived at the hotel arranged by the team management, I was buzzing with excitement to be reunited with my fellow team members. However, to my surprise, I didn't bump into any of them before dinner.
But the real excitement started when I reached the dinner table. I was surrounded by the entire team, along with all three coaches. As the newbie who had just come back from an adventure, I was the center of attention, and everyone was eager to hear my story.
So, I launched into a tale about how the Vidhayak had used me to his advantage, and how I had cheated during my exams. The dining table was alive with laughter and good-natured ribbing as I recounted my misadventures. It was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie that I will always cherish.
As I finished describing my adventure to the team, the coaches all exchanged glances and I could see a sly smile creep across their faces. Suddenly, our head coach spoke up. "Well, well, well, it sounds like you've been having quite the time, haven't you?" he said, grinning.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, something like that. But hey, at least I'm back in one piece," I replied.
Our batting coach chimed in, "Well, we can't have you getting too comfortable, can we? We've got to keep pushing you so you're ready for the upcoming matches."
"Oh, I'm ready," I said confidently. "I can take whatever you guys throw at me."
Our bowling coach smirked. "We'll see about that," he said, and I could tell he was already planning something devious.
I laughed nervously. "Uh oh, what have I gotten myself into?" I joked.
The whole team erupted into laughter and I knew I was in good company.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein