Legendary Cricketer

Today marks the culmination of all my hard work — the IPL auction day. The Indian Premier League (IPL) stands as India's premier cricketing tournament, renowned globally for its electrifying T20 format. Established by the BCCI in 2007, the league features ten franchise teams representing various cities and states. Held annually from March to May, the IPL holds an exclusive window in the ICC Future Tours Program, often impacting international cricket schedules.

For me, participating in the IPL is not just about showcasing my skills but also about securing a spot in the upcoming 2014 T20 World Cup squad. It's an opportunity to compete against the world's best cricketers and prove my worth on a global stage.

After being purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for 1.85 Crore in the 2013 IPL auction, I played two seasons, clinching the Gujarat Trophy with impressive stats — a batting average of 48 and a wicket-taking rate of 2.8, setting records for a 17-year-old cricketer.

Recently, I received a letter from RCB coaches, beckoning me to Bangalore. Excited to join stalwarts like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, I aimed to become the MVP of IPL 2013.

However, disappointment loomed as RCB lost their first two matches against Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and I remained benched. Despite this setback, I persevered, dedicating myself to rigorous batting and bowling in practice sessions. As a right-arm fast bowler capable of bowling Yorkers at speeds up to 149 KMPH, I made an impression on Kohli during net sessions.

Finally, in the third match, I received my chance, replacing Henriques. It was my moment to shine, to prove myself to the team and the world.

Match Day

Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bowl first, confident in our team's prowess in chasing targets, bolstered by the likes of ABD and Chris Gayle from previous IPL seasons.

The match commenced with RP Singh's controlled swing bowling. By the third delivery of his over, I was positioned at cover. When Parthiv Patel struck the ball towards the offside gap, I sprinted and intercepted it, preventing a boundary. Reacting swiftly, I threw the ball towards the stumps. Though I missed the run-out narrowly, my determination earned applause from Mayank Agarwal and recognition for my fielding contributions.

At 50/2 after 8 overs, I finally got my chance to bowl in the 9th over against seasoned batsmen Cameron White and Kumar Sangakkara. With precise line and length, I delivered a bouncer to Sangakkara at 156 KMPH, forcing him to duck. The subsequent deliveries, each above 150 KMPH, included a top-spinning ball and an off-stump length delivery. Deciding to vary my pace in the fourth ball to 125 KMPH, I induced Sangakkara into a mistimed shot, leading to a catch under the high ball near the 30-yard circle — my first IPL wicket.

Celebrating with a gesture towards Sangakkara, I finished the over with three dot balls, sealing a maiden wicket.

In the 13th over, facing Cameron White and Thisara Perera, I conceded only 2 runs, maintaining economic efficiency while Vinay Kumar leaked 24 runs in the next over. Despite this, I persevered, conceding just 4 runs in the 15th over, ensuring the batsmen didn't accelerate.

In the crucial 17th over, with the score at 123/3, I delivered a searing 158 KMPH yorker that shattered Cameron White's stumps, dismissing him for 69 runs.

As the innings concluded, Thisara Perera's explosive 62-run innings propelled the opposition to 175 runs, setting RCB a target of 176.

RCB Batting Start

Dale Steyn opened the bowling for the opposition, swinging the ball skillfully. In the third ball of his over, Mayank Agarwal edged to slip, marking an early wicket for the opposition. The subsequent over by Amit Mishra saw the dismissal of both Chris Gayle and ABD, leaving RCB reeling at 10/3 in the 3rd over.

Commentators analyzed the dire situation, emphasizing the necessity for a substantial partnership between Virat Kohli and me to stabilize the innings.

Commentary Begins:

Harsha Bhogle: RCB finds itself in a precarious position, having lost its star players early. Virat Kohli and the newcomer Girish Barot, who impressed with his bowling, must forge a significant partnership to chase down this target.

Ravi Shastri: Absolutely, crucial moment for RCB. The next batsmen in line may not have the capability to sustain the chase.

Sunil Gavaskar: Indeed, it's a daunting task ahead.

Stepping up to the challenge, I took the crease with Virat Kohli against Dale Steyn in the 4th over. Utilizing my ball-tracking skill, I found the gap between covers and extra covers, timing the shot perfectly for a boundary.

Harsha: What timing from Girish! A confident start under immense pressure in his IPL debut.

Ravi: That shot was a testament to his skill and composure.

Sunil: I've seen him perform similarly in domestic cricket. His shot selection is admirable.

Girish's Innings Continues

Girish Barot continued to impress in the 4th over against Dale Steyn. After finding the gap between covers and extra covers for a boundary with his precise timing and ball-tracking skills, he confidently faced the next deliveries.

Steyn, known for his pace and swing, tested Girish with a fuller delivery angling towards the off stump. Girish leaned into the ball, driving it through mid-off for another boundary, showcasing his ability to handle top-quality bowling under pressure.

Harsha Bhogle: Girish Barot is displaying remarkable maturity and shot selection here. Two boundaries in the over have lifted the pressure off RCB momentarily.

Ravi Shastri: This is exactly what RCB needed after the early setbacks. Girish is showing why he was picked today.

Sunil Gavaskar: It's not easy to come in at 10/3 and play with such composure. He's certainly making a strong case for himself.

With 8 runs already off the over, Dale Steyn adjusted his line, bowling a sharp bouncer aimed at Girish's body. Anticipating the short delivery, Girish swayed back, allowing the ball to pass harmlessly over him.

Harsha Bhogle: Steyn trying to unsettle the young batsman with a bouncer, but Girish reads it well.

Ravi Shastri: He's showing good awareness of the game situation here. Not getting carried away after those boundaries.

The next ball from Steyn was a fuller delivery outside off stump, tempting Girish to drive again. This time, he timed the shot beautifully, placing it through the covers for his third boundary of the over.

Harsha Bhogle: That's exquisite timing from Girish Barot! He moves to 12 off just 3 balls.

Ravi Shastri: What a way to respond under pressure. This over has completely changed the momentum for RCB.

Sunil Gavaskar: This young man is certainly making a statement today. His ability to pick the gaps and execute shots is commendable.

With confidence growing, Girish Barot faced the final ball of the over. Dale Steyn, determined to end on a high, delivered a yorker on middle stump. Girish was up to the challenge, getting his bat down just in time to dig it out, and pushing it into the leg side for a quick single.

Harsha Bhogle: Excellent cricket from Girish Barot! He navigates through the yorker and retains strike.

Ravi Shastri: That's the end of a brilliant over for RCB, thanks to Girish Barot's composed batting.

Sunil Gavaskar: He's shown immense maturity and skill in this inning. This partnership with Virat Kohli could be crucial for RCB's chances.

At the end of Dale Steyn's over, RCB had moved to 23/3 after 4 overs, with Girish Barot contributing 13 runs off just 6 deliveries. His innings had injected much-needed momentum and belief into the RCB camp, setting the stage for a potential comeback in this challenging run chase.

Facing Amit Mishra

After Dale Steyn's eventful over, RCB was hopeful to build on the momentum created by Girish Barot. However, their hopes were quickly dashed as leg-spinner Amit Mishra came on to bowl the 5th over—the man who took out both ABD and Chris Gayle.

Harsha Bhogle: Amit Mishra, a wily leg-spinner, has been brought into the attack. He'll look to take the wicket of Girish Barot. He is proving to be a thorn in the SRH side.

Ravi Shastri: This is a crucial phase for RCB. Girish Barot needs to continue his good form against spin.

Sunil Gavaskar: Mishra is known for his variations. It'll be interesting to see how Girish handles him.

Amit Mishra, known for his variations and subtle changes in flight and spin, started his over. The first ball was a well-flighted delivery on middle stump. Girish Barot stepped out confidently and lofted it straight over the bowler's head for a massive six, showcasing his attacking intent with perfect timing and a clean strike.

Harsha Bhogle: Oh, that's gone a long way! Girish Barot isn't holding back against Amit Mishra.

Ravi Shastri: What a statement from the youngster! He's fearless.

Sunil Gavaskar: That was a clean strike. Girish is showing his range of shots here. That shot was a textbook example of how to play spin.

Buoyed by the boundary, Girish was eager to maintain the momentum. Mishra, sensing the challenge, fired in a quicker delivery outside off stump. Girish leaned back and effortlessly launched it over long-off for another towering six, his second in consecutive balls.

Harsha Bhogle: Another one! Girish Barot is taking the attack on Amit Mishra here.

Ravi Shastri: This is sensational batting under pressure. Girish is turning this game around.

Sunil Gavaskar: Mishra needs to regroup quickly. Girish has taken him apart in this over.

With two sixes off the first two balls, Girish Barot was in the zone. Amit Mishra, now under immense pressure, tried to vary his pace and flight. The third ball was a googly outside off stump. Girish anticipated it perfectly, getting into position early and hammering it through cover for his third consecutive six.

Harsha Bhogle: Hat-trick of sixes for Girish Barot! What a way to counter Amit Mishra!

Ravi Shastri: This is incredible batting! Girish is showcasing his skills here. He seems to be in top form today. Look at that confidence.

Sunil Gavaskar: Mishra is being taken to the cleaners. Girish is unstoppable right now.

With eighteen runs already off the over and the scoreboard ticking rapidly, Amit Mishra tried to regain control. He tossed up the fourth ball, a well-flighted delivery on middle stump. Girish Barot defended it solidly, respecting the bowler's comeback.

Harsha Bhogle: Good response from Mishra. Girish taking a moment to reassess here.

Ravi Shastri: He's played that one with caution after those big hits.

Not willing to give Girish any respite, Amit Mishra came back strongly. The fifth ball was a quicker one on off stump. Girish, maintaining his composure, punched it down the ground to long-off for a run but it was intercepted.

Sunil Gavaskar: Girish showing maturity in between those big shots. He tried to take a single.

Facing the last ball of the over, Mishra fired in a leg-break outside off stump. Girish Barot read the variation well, stepping back and placing it through cover for a boundary, his fourth boundary in the over.

Harsha Bhogle: Four! That's a boundary to finish the over. Girish Barot has single-handedly turned the game around in this over.

Ravi Shastri: Mishra gave Girish the wrong ball. What an inning this has been from the young man.

Sunil Gavaskar: He's shown his class and skill against spin. RCB needed this partnership desperately.

With 22 runs off the over, Girish Barot propelled RCB to 55/3 after 4 overs, significantly boosting their chances in the run chase. And his personal 45 runs in 12 balls.

Ishant Sharma's Over

With RCB at 55/3 after 4 overs, Ishant Sharma was entrusted with the ball for the 5th over. Girish Barot, fresh off his explosive innings in the previous over, was at the non-striker's end, while Virat Kohli, one of RCB's key batsmen, was on strike.

Harsha Bhogle: Ishant Sharma has the ball now. This is a critical phase in the match.

Ravi Shastri: Absolutely, Harsha. Kohli and Barot need to build a solid partnership here.

Sunil Gavaskar: Ishant Sharma will look to make an impact with his pace and bounce.

Ishant Sharma, known for his ability to generate bounce and pace, started his over with purpose. The first ball was a back-of-a-length delivery on off stump. Kohli, watchful and focused, defended it solidly back to the bowler.

Harsha Bhogle: Good start by Ishant Sharma. Kohli respects the bounce there.

Ravi Shastri: He's looking to unsettle Kohli early on.

The second ball from Sharma was a fuller delivery outside off stump. Kohli leaned into it and drove it crisply through the covers. The timing was exquisite as the ball raced away to the boundary for four runs.

Sunil Gavaskar: That's a trademark Kohli shot! He's off the mark in style.

With the pressure mounting, Ishant Sharma adjusted his line for the third ball. It was a short delivery on middle and leg stump. Kohli swiveled on his back foot and defended it.

Not willing to give Kohli any room, Ishant Sharma came back strongly. The fourth ball was a well-directed bouncer aimed at Kohli's body. The batsman ducked under it comfortably, letting it pass harmlessly to the wicketkeeper.

Sunil Gavaskar: Ishant Sharma trying to unsettle Kohli with the short stuff.

Facing the fifth ball of the over, Kohli on strike, Ishant Sharma bowled a full toss outside off stump. Kohli seized the opportunity and smashed it over long-on for a massive six, signaling his intent and punishing the loose delivery.

Harsha Bhogle: Six runs! Kohli makes no mistake with the full toss.

Ravi Shastri: That's a gift, and Kohli has capitalized on it.

Sunil Gavaskar: Ishant Sharma will be disappointed with that delivery.

With confidence flowing, Kohli faced the last ball of Ishant Sharma's over. It was a length delivery outside off stump. Kohli leaned into it and drove it elegantly through the covers for another boundary, ending the over on a high note.

Harsha Bhogle: Four more! Kohli is taking charge here.

Ravi Shastri: This is a captain's knock in the making.

Sunil Gavaskar: Kohli is leading from the front. This partnership is crucial for RCB.