Chapter 144

In the world of cricket, the tide of a game can turn with the swiftness of a breeze. And so it was on that fateful day during the T20 World Cup in 2016 when India found themselves at a precarious 2/2, losing both their openers, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, in quick succession.

Early Setback:

The stadium was packed with fans, their hopes riding high as India took on England in a crucial encounter. The atmosphere crackled with energy and anticipation. The Indian innings had just begun when disaster struck.

Joe Root, a part-time spinner in the English squad, was introduced into the attack surprisingly early, in just the second over. His off-spin, however, was proving to be more potent than expected, thanks to a bit of turn on the pitch. In a dramatic twist of fate, Root managed to break through India's top order. First, he spun a delivery away from Rohit Sharma, who was caught in the crease, and the ball kissed the outside edge of his bat before nestling in the gloves of the wicketkeeper.

Harsha Bhogle (with surprise): "Oh, that's a big wicket! Root has got the big fish, Rohit Sharma, early in the innings."

Then, just two balls later, Root produced a magical delivery that turned sharply and sneaked through the defenses of Ajinkya Rahane, clipping the top of the off-stump. Rahane was left baffled and disheartened as the bails lit up.

Ravi Shastri (with admiration): "What a delivery by Root! The ball is turning, and Rahane had no answer to that."

The Indian supporters, who had been roaring moments earlier, were now in stunned silence. The World Cup dreams were teetering on the edge. To add to the dismay, Dhoni walked in and joined the beleaguered Virat Kohli, who was already at the crease.

Masterstroke or Mishap? Dhoni's Promotion:

As the crowd grappled with the shock of two early wickets, Virat Kohli, the captain, decided to make a bold move. Sensing the urgency to stabilize the innings, he promoted the legendary M.S. Dhoni up the order. Dhoni, known for his ability to anchor and finish innings, was being sent to the crease when India was in dire straits at 2/2.

Harsha Bhogle (with intrigue): "This is an interesting move by Kohli. Dhoni coming up the order. Is he looking to counter-attack?"

Ravi Shastri (with curiosity): "It's a calculated gamble. Dhoni has the experience and temperament to handle pressure situations."

But just as England had surprised India with the introduction of Root into the bowling attack, the English had their own twist up their sleeves. David Willey, the left-arm seamer, was brought into the attack. He was known for his precise and unexpected yorkers.

Willey, armed with a plan, bowled a yorker that swung late. Dhoni, attempting to dig it out, was a fraction of a second late. The ball sneaked under his bat, crashed into the stumps, and the bails went flying. Dhoni was bowled, and India was in complete disarray at 10/3 in just three overs.

Harsha Bhogle (with disbelief): "Dhoni is bowled! India in absolute tatters. Can they recover from this?"

Ravi Shastri (with concern): "It's a big blow, Harsha. India is in deep trouble now."

The Indian fans in the stadium, who had been hoping for a thrilling contest, were now faced with the grim reality of a potential collapse. Some started leaving, shaking their heads in disappointment.

A Fan's Outburst:

One fan, a middle-aged man with his young son, was particularly vocal in his criticism as he made his way towards the exit. He couldn't contain his frustration.

Frustrated Fan (in anger): "It was always like this! These guys just play for money, no passion! I wasted my money on these tickets."

His son, however, lingered behind, his eyes fixed on the ground, where the Indian team was battling to stay afloat.

A Twist of Fate:

Just as the father continued his non-stop rant, something extraordinary happened. A faint sound reached his ears, a melody he hadn't expected amidst his tirade. It was the unmistakable tune of "Mirchi Bgm," the iconic background music that played when Nitish Reddy, the young and relatively unknown cricketer, walked to the crease.

Harsha Bhogle (with anticipation): "Here comes Nitish Reddy, the young sensation. He's been a revelation in this tournament."

Ravi Shastri (with hope): "He's got a mountain to climb. But remember, cricket is a game of uncertainties."

For a split second, the disgruntled father stopped in his tracks. The sight of Nitish, with his youthful exuberance and the aura of a potential rescuer, gave him a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, the young blood could infuse some life into this seemingly doomed chase.

Nitish's Arrival:

As Nitish took guard, the stadium was filled with a buzz of anticipation. Could this 22-year-old cricketer, who had already made a name for himself in this tournament with his remarkable performances, pull off a miracle?

Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "What a stage for Nitish Reddy to showcase his talent! Can he be the hero India needs today?"

Ravi Shastri (with enthusiasm): "He's shown glimpses of brilliance in this tournament. Now is the time to shine."

Nitish's Heroics:

As Joe Root prepared to bowl the next over, he was brimming with confidence after dismissing the openers. But Nitish had other plans. He came forward to face the first ball of the over, picking the length early, and lofted it over the infield for a towering six. The crowd erupted in cheers, as if they had found a new ray of hope.

Harsha Bhogle (with excitement): "What a shot! Nitish Reddy is taking the attack to England. India needed that."

Ravi Shastri (with optimism): "That's the spirit! Nitish is showing no fear, no pressure."

That audacious six changed the atmosphere in the stadium. Suddenly, there was renewed energy, belief, and excitement among the spectators. Nitish was not going to back down without a fight.

A Fan's Change of Heart:

Back in the stands, the fan who had been criticizing the team just moments ago felt a strange transformation. His son, who had paused to watch Nitish's shot, tugged at his sleeve.

Curious Son: "Dad, can we stay and watch a little longer?"

The father, who had been on the verge of leaving, glanced at the ground where Nitish was standing tall. In that moment, he felt a glimmer of hope and a sense of pride in his team.

Changed Father (with hope): "Sure, let's stay and watch. You never know, cricket can surprise you."