chapter 9 - match debut

Monday, October 14, 2010.

The sun was casting a warm glow over the cricket ground as Rohan arrived at 9 am for the practice match against Matunga Club. This day marked a significant moment for him – his debut match. As he stepped onto the field, he saw Coach Ram deeply engrossed in conversation with a group of players, imparting crucial instructions for the upcoming match. Rohan's eyes caught the sight of the team captain, Akash Shinde, calling him over.

With a friendly smile, Akash introduced himself, "Hey Rohan, I'm Akash, the team captain. Congratulations on your debut! I'll be sharing the coach's instructions with you today. The match is 40 overs long, so you'll be bowling 4 overs. What's your bowling style?"

"I'm a fast-paced bowler with a focus on normal swing," replied Rohan.

"Great, then you'll be opening the bowling for us. Get ready!" Akash's words radiated encouragement as he moved on to attend to other players.

The team started their warm-up alongside Matunga Club's players, with a shared sense of camaraderie. Eventually, it was time for the toss. Luck wasn't on Akash's side as the opponent chose to bat first after winning the toss.

In the dugout, Rohan informed his teammates about the toss outcome. He busied himself with getting his cricket gear ready as he was set to open the batting with Vikas, the team's keeper and another opener.

However, Rohan wasn't the only one on the team. Akash, the captain, stood as a prominent figure in the team. Being a year older and having three years of experience with the club, he was a vital presence. He usually opened the batting with Vikas, forming a formidable partnership.

The day unfolded with the first inning. The Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) had a strong batting lineup, and by the end of their 40 overs, they had posted a total of 240 for 5 wickets. Rohan, despite his enthusiasm, didn't get a chance to bat as his recent focus had been primarily on bowling. Yet, he was unperturbed, knowing that he would have his opportunity.

As the second inning began, Rohan's excitement heightened. Matunga Gymkhana (MG) had their opening batsmen on the crease. After the initial three overs, the batsmen had played cautiously and conservatively, leading to a score of 18-0. With both batsmen looking comfortable, Akash signaled for Rohan to bowl the fourth over.

Approaching Rohan before his over, Akash asked, "Rohan, you'll be bowling the next over. What's your plan?"

"I'll be aiming for an outswing delivery. Let's set up a second slip and a fine leg, anticipating a hook shot," Rohan replied confidently.

Akash adjusted the field accordingly, positioning the second slip and moving the backward square leg to short fine leg. The plan was set, and Rohan began his run-up.

Positioning himself at the crease, Rohan gazed at the batsman, observing his stance and readiness. Running in with the iconic flair of Dale Steyn, Rohan unleashed a beautifully crafted outswinger that enticed the batsman to go for an ambitious cover drive. However, the swing took the ball away from the batsman, resulting in a thick outside edge that was comfortably caught by the fielder at the second slip.

The celebrations were heartfelt, with Rohan raising his hand to acknowledge the wicket. His teammates rushed to congratulate him, appreciating his early breakthrough. As the batsman left the field, he shared the story of his dismissal with his coach, who was intrigued by the new bowler's talent.

With each passing ball, Rohan's confidence grew. His next victim fell prey to a well-executed outswinger that kissed the outside edge and landed safely in the hands of the wicketkeeper. The team's celebrations grew louder as they realized they were witnessing something special – a potential hat-trick.

The third ball of the over was delivered with determination and skill. This time, Rohan opted for a well-disguised full-paced delivery with a two-seam grip. The unsuspecting batsman, expecting another outswinger, was late to react as the ball thudded into his pads. The team appealed, and the umpire's finger went up – hat-trick!

Rohan's teammates erupted in joy, their cheers resonating across the field. The batsman trudged off the ground, astounded by the sudden turn of events. Rohan soaked in the moment, celebrating his remarkable feat with his teammates.

As the MG team continued their innings, Rohan's performance remained a topic of discussion among both players and spectators. His extraordinary bowling had left a mark, catching the attention of not just his own team but also the opposition.

The rest of the match played out, and by the time Rohan's spell was complete, Matunga Gymkhana had managed to score 18 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Despite not having the opportunity to bat, Rohan's presence was felt profoundly through his stellar bowling performance.

As the players gathered for post-match interactions, Akash approached Rohan once again, offering his heartfelt congratulations. The bond among the team members was evident as they shared a sense of accomplishment. It was a day to remember – the day Rohan stepped onto the field and made his presence known, not as a lone wolf but as an integral part of a spirited team.