52 Chapter 52

[Vipin's POV]

As the match progressed, our team faced a tough challenge as we lost both our openers early on. It was now up to me to step up to the crease and deliver for my team. With my pads on and my determination set, I made my way onto the pitch.

As an up-and-coming player, the last time I played in Pakistan and not many people knew who I was. But here, in front of a cheering Indian crowd, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion hearing my name being cheered on.

Just before taking my place at the crease, I received some valuable advice from one of India's greatest batsmen, Rahul Dravid. He reminded me to look out for the bounce on the grass and wished me luck. I felt a rush of excitement and fist-pounded with Dravid before making my way to the striking end.

With only two players outside the thirty yard circle, I knew I had to make the most out of the two balls left in powerplay. The first ball was a bouncer, but I wasn't intimidated. I quickly got on my back foot and sent the ball soaring for a massive six. Anderson's face showed his dissatisfaction as I knew the next delivery would be a full length delivery. Just as I expected, I once again moved on my back foot, leaving the leg stumps, and scooped the ball for another six on the third man.

As our score climbed to 68-2 after 10 overs, I received more valuable advice from Dravid. He warned me about the rough patch on his side of the crease and advised me to keep the ball on the ground. I nodded with understanding and we both made our way back to our respective ends.

As the next over started, Dravid played the first two balls and we ran down for singles. I was back on strike on the third ball and could feel the bowler's intent to bowl most of his deliveries in the rough and on the grass to confuse me. But I remained focused and punched the first ball on mid-off and ran down another single. I played two more balls and scored three runs, adding six runs to the scoreboard.

However, tragedy struck as Dravid was out on the fifth delivery of the next over. With Yuvraj Singh now joining me on the pitch, we still had a lot of work to do as we were stuck at 74, losing three wickets in just 12 overs. As I was on strike the next ball, I knew it was important to settle in with my new partner and rotate the strike to get his body warmed up.

[Commentator's POV]

"India's defence seems to be a chink in their armour. Their batting might be strong, but without a solid defence, it's like building a palace on a shaky foundation," Sunil remarked.

"I completely agree, Sunil. But there's still hope. It's up to these two players to make or break the game. And Vipin seems to be on fire with his first two balls," Bhogle added optimistically.

"True, but it's a risky move having two left-handed batsmen. It's not the best tactic in the book," Sunil replied.

"Well, the captain must have had some other strategy in mind. He's known for his unpredictable moves. Let's hope it pays off," Bhogle said with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

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"RUN OUT! Oh, that's a cruel way to go! Yuvraj was playing so well, but a misjudged run has cost India dearly. It was a quick sprint for Yuvraj, but the fielder at mid-on was like a cheetah chasing its prey. He picked up the ball and hurled it towards the striker's end, hitting the stumps just as Yuvraj was diving. The third umpire was called in, and it looks like Yuvraj's bat was just off the ground. It's a heartbreaking dismissal, but he has to go. India is in deep trouble, with the score at 136-4 after 20 overs," exclaimed the commentator.

"But all hope is not lost yet. Mohammed Kaif has come out to bat and is trying to form a partnership with Vipin. Even though they haven't been able to stitch a strong partnership yet, Vipin is holding his ground firmly. He's already scored 45 runs in just 39 balls, and he's not giving up without a fight," remarked Bhogle, with a glimmer of hope in his voice.

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"India is in a bit of a pickle here. They've lost 8 wickets already, and no one has been able to stay at the crease for too long. The pressure of losing wickets has forced both ends to focus on singles, with no one willing to take risks," Gavaskar analyzed the situation.

"But Vipin is still holding strong, and he's doing a great job. He's already scored an impressive 74 runs off just 56 balls. And during the drinks break, we saw Vipin and Harbhajan deep in conversation. It looks like they might have come up with a new plan," Bhogle said with a hopeful tone.

[Vipin's POV]

I am still standing strong on the crease, but my stomach is churning with discomfort. Despite my efforts, I haven't been able to form a successful partnership with any of my teammates. It's a tough game, and we lost eight wickets just before the drinks break. Now, the only person left to support me is the talented Harbhajan Singh.

As we prepare to resume play, disaster strikes once again. My stomach feels bloated, and every time I try to run, it feels like something is punching me in the gut. I need to change my strategy if I want to keep playing.

"Bhajji Paaji, we need a change of plans," I tell Harbhajan. "I don't think I can keep this up for much longer."

"What happened?" he asks, concerned. "Do we need to call the medic?"

I take a deep breath before confiding in him. "To be honest, I had Bhature yesterday, and now I'm feeling gassy. I snuck out of the hotel and went out with a friend. No one knows about it, and I hope you'll keep it a secret too."

Harbhajan looks surprised but understanding. "Really? So, what's the plan now? You'll just defend?"

I shake my head. "It's the opposite. I won't be passing you the strike. I'll try to take a run on the last ball, but if it's not possible, you have to strike back as soon as possible."

Harbhajan nods, impressed by my determination. "You sure?"

I look him in the eye and nod. "Never been more sure."

As the drinks break ends, I square my shoulders and prepare to face the bowler in the 41st over.