32 Chapter 32: Top Speed

I started my run-up, and as I approached the crease, I saw that Yuvraj Singh was ready with his bat, his eyes locked onto the incoming ball. I knew I couldn't hold back, not with someone like him at the crease.

A simple fast ball without any swing. Just top spin. The ball dipped and bounced back in a moment and it flew past Yuvraj. He just stood there.

I decided to start with a simple, fast ball with only a hint of top spin. The ball dipped and bounced back quickly, causing Yuvraj to miss it completely. He stood there in disbelief, his bat still poised in the swing position.

"Wow, what was that?" Yuvraj exclaimed, his voice echoing around the stadium.

"The ball was in your hand one moment, and the next thing I knew, it was behind me. I never saw it coming, it was incredibly fast," Yuvraj said as he walked up to me, his eyes still wide with shock. "You have a serious talent, kid. Let's see what else you've got."

The bowling coach was silent and intense as he looked at the speedometer, analyzing my performance. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Soon, everyone stopped their activities and gathered around the nets, eager to see more of my skills.

Yuvraj Singh has a magnetic personality, but I couldn't help but think that it was my impressive bowling that had drawn everyone's attention. Either way, I was happy that I had the chance to showcase my skills and potentially earn a spot on the senior Indian cricket team.

"So, how fast was he?" Rahul Dravid asked the bowling coach, his voice full of curiosity.

"Let him bowl a few more deliveries, and I'll give you the average speed," the coach replied, keeping a close eye on the speedometer. Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Okay, Vipin. Give me your normal fast deliveries. No need to mix in slower ones. You can add swing or seam if you want. After 12 deliveries, I'll give you the average speed," the coach instructed me, his eyes fixed on the speedometer. I nodded, feeling both nervous and excited.

I eagerly nodded, grabbed the ball, and thought, `Bowl as I normally do?` With determination, I began my run-up and unleashed a top-spun fast ball. It was met with a flawless block.

I continued to give it my all, throwing another perfect top spin that was met with another impressive block. My next three deliveries were also top-spun and each one was met with precision

Yuvraj chuckled and teased, "What's the matter? Afraid to mix things up? I could do this all day!"

"Paaji, give this one a shot," I confidently replied. My competitive spirit comes to life when I play. I no longer feel nervous, knowing that Yuvraj's provocation was just his playful nature and not meant to upset me.

I took my usual run-up and delivery action, but with my fingers slightly adjusted to the side. I bowled an inswinger around the wicket. Yuvraj tried to block it, but the ball's movement caught him off guard, and he was bowled. Despite his best efforts, the rubber wickets behind him remained intact.

"What? Yuvi, getting beaten by a kid? I could've done better than that," quipped Harbhajan Singh.

"So why don't you give it a shot?" Yuvraj challenged.

"I will, but not today. I'm not in the mood," Harbhajan retorted, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Hey, mind if I give it a try?" a familiar voice chimed in. It was Sachin Tendulkar! I couldn't believe it. He wanted to face my deliveries. This was a dream come true!

As Sachin Tendulkar approached the crease, I suddenly felt nervous. He had been my childhood idol, and the thought of disappointing him filled me with anxiety.

Despite my nervousness, it did not affect my bowling. I started with an off-cutter, followed by a seam-up delivery, both of which he expertly defended.

However, as he grew familiar with my in-swing bowling, he was tricked by a leg cutter. He attempted to defend it, but the ball just clipped the edge and would have been an easy catch for the slip fielder in a real match.

As the sound of applause filled the air, I was taken aback. My entire team was on their feet, clapping and cheering, and even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar was joining in. I felt a rush of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

As I looked around, I saw Rahul Dravid with a broad smile on his face, a rare sight indeed.

His words sent a thrill down my spine. "Good bowl," he said, and I could tell from the look on his face that he was truly impressed. "I can't see anyone playing the delivery you just bowled," he added with a nod of approval.

The bowling coach's voice rang out, catching everyone's attention. "Now, Vipin," he said, turning to me with a look of surprise. "Are you really only 16?"

"Yes, I am 16," I replied, trying to keep my nerves in check. I watched as he glanced down at the pages on his clipboard, and I couldn't help but worry that he had found something amiss in my documents.

"Wow, no need to panic! I'm blown away by your abilities. At just 16 years old, you've already accomplished so much. Well, you certainly have a talent beyond your years, And your speed? Incredible! You clocked in at a record-breaking 151kmph and maintained an average speed of 148kmph. The look of surprise on the team's faces says it all." The coach replied, his excitement palpable.

As my turn at bat approached, I felt a rush of confidence. I strode up to the crease, ready to unleash my skills. With every powerful swing of my bat, the ball sailed towards the boundary, if only the nets weren't in the way.

I love stepping out to play, but I also switched it up with some back foot shots. My latest addition to my arsenal, the switch shot, elicited surprised reactions from everyone when I tried it in the nets.

The coach did ask me to stay within my crease, but it wasn't a mandate for change. "If you feel confident stepping out, go for it," he said.

"But keep in mind, it leaves your wicket more exposed. I'm not saying you need to change your style, just try to keep it within the crease. You can still crush it from there, and if you do step out, make it quick with just one or two steps. You hit some monster shots today, well done." The batting coach encouraged.

The coach definitely had a valid point, and I've heard it before, but eventually everyone has come to accept my approach. No matter how far I step out, I always seem to connect with the ball and drive it to the boundary.

As the training session drew to a close, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These legendary figures of the sport had taken the time to guide and advise me, and I was truly grateful for the opportunity. The experience was unforgettable.