The ninth over was handed to Rajat Bhatia, the experienced campaigner. His gentle but deceptive medium pace was like a chess move in this high-octane contest. He bowled with discipline, cutting the pace off the ball, forcing Nitish Rana and Krunal Pandya to manufacture their shots. Only six runs came off it.
Commentary:"That's clever bowling from Bhatia. He doesn't have the pace, but he uses the wicket well. Just six runs—it keeps the pressure on Mumbai."
But the pressure didn't hold for long. The tenth over went to Adam Zampa, the Australian leggie. With his quick arm action, he tried to pin the left-handers down. But Nitish Rana used his feet brilliantly, skipping down the track for a lofted four, and Krunal Pandya nudged a couple of twos into the gaps. Ten runs came off the over, and the momentum began to tilt again.
Mumbai: 91/4 after 10 overs.
The crowd, mostly blue jerseys of Mumbai Indians, roared back to life. Rising Pune needed another dent, another moment to seize control.
Steve Smith looked around the field, then turned to his young fast bowler. The ball was tossed to Aarav.
It was time.
Aarav's Return – 11th Over
Aarav rubbed the red-and-white Kookaburra ball on his thigh, feeling its seam, locking himself in. He remembered the frustration of his previous over—two near wickets slipping through his fingers. Now, he had a chance at redemption.
Nitish Rana, well set, took guard. The left-hander tapped his bat, eyeing the gaps. Aarav marked his run-up, took a deep breath, and began his smooth rhythm down the pitch.
First Ball – Aarav to RanaA good length delivery, just outside off stump, angled in slightly. Rana leaned forward, aiming for a punch through covers—but the seam bit into the pitch, straightening just enough. The ball kissed the outside edge, carrying cleanly to Rahane at slip.
Rahane didn't flinch. Safe hands. OUT.
The crowd silenced for a heartbeat before erupting into groans. The RPS fielders leapt in celebration, huddling around Aarav, patting his back.
Commentary:"Gone! Nitish Rana edges to slip! Aarav Reddy strikes with the first ball of his comeback over! Redemption for the youngster—this is huge for Pune!"
Aarav clenched his fist, relief and joy flooding his chest. Finally. The game gave me my moment.
Rana walked back, shaking his head.
Mumbai: 91/5
And walking in was the giant, Kieron Pollard. The Wankhede roared again, this time with chants of "Polly! Polly!" The Trinidadian towered over everyone, his bat looking more like a weapon than a piece of willow.
Aarav stared at him coolly. He wasn't intimidated—not today.
Second Ball – Aarav to PollardFuller length, angling into the pads. Pollard clipped it nonchalantly toward midwicket for a single. The crowd cheered, sensing the arrival of fireworks.
Third Ball – Aarav to KrunalA back-of-length delivery, climbing into Krunal's ribs. He tucked it to square leg for one.
Fourth Ball – Aarav to PollardOn a good length outside off, Pollard lifted his bat high, then drilled it along the ground through mid-off. The fielder cut it down to just two runs. Solid but not explosive.
Fifth Ball – Aarav to PollardA quick bouncer, rising sharply. Pollard swayed away at the last moment, letting it fly past. Dot ball. The keeper, Dhoni, collected it cleanly and gave a knowing smile.
Sixth Ball – Aarav to PollardFull and straight, right at the base of middle stump. Pollard brought his heavy bat down in time, squeezing it to mid-on for a single.
End of the Over:Just 5 runs and the big wicket of Rana. Aarav had done his job.
Mumbai: 96/5 after 11 overs.
He walked back to his fielding position, chest rising with calm satisfaction. The frustration of the eighth over had evaporated. He was back in rhythm, back in control.
Bhatia returned for the 12th over. With his steady lines, he tied both Pollard and Krunal down, conceding only 4 runs. The run rate was stuttering, the pressure mounting.
Then, Imran Tahir, already dangerous, was brought back for the 13th. His second ball was a slider, skidding through faster than expected. Krunal misread it, going for the flick—only for the ball to pin him plumb in front. The umpire's finger went up immediately.
Mumbai: 100/6.
The Wankhede groaned again. And now, Hardik Pandya walked to the crease. The younger Pandya brother, full of swagger, looked around with a confident grin.
Tahir tested him right away, but Hardik found two boundaries in the over—a slash over point and a loft over mid-off—adding 10 runs.
Mumbai: 110/6 after 13 overs.
As Aarav stood at fine leg, wiping sweat from his forehead, he processed everything.
That wicket of Rana still lingered sweetly in his mind. It wasn't flashy, it wasn't dramatic, but it was clean, textbook fast-bowling: building pressure, forcing the edge, and trusting his fielders.
He thought about his coach's scolding, about how he had almost lost focus in the weeks before the season. This… this is why I can't afford distractions. This feeling right here—the rush of taking a wicket, the joy of contributing—it's irreplaceable.
And yet, he knew this match was far from over. Pollard was still out there. Hardik was new, but dangerous. The job wasn't done.
With every deep breath, Aarav reminded himself of his mantra—play with pure intent.
The game was alive. So was he