Before the MatchThe morning sun blazed over the lush district academy grounds. The whispers of day one's drills still floated around: "That Mohith kid was raw but unstoppable… The spinner, Dhruva… Did you see what he did to Arjun?"But now, as the selectors gathered, the real test loomed.Head Selector:
"Enough drills. Time for trial matches. Two squads. Eight overs per side. Performance alone decides your future."The players tightened their pads, fixed grips, stretched legs. Everything rode on today.The board listed squads. Mohith, Pavan, and Dhruva — together. Arjun — captain of the opposite side.The air shifted immediately. Destiny was forcing them into collision again.Toss of FateAt the center, the coin flew. Arjun called heads. As it landed, his smirk widened.Arjun:
"We'll bowl first. Let's cut their fairytale short before it starts."Mohith met Pavan's nervous glance. Calmness in his eyes settled everything.Mohith:
"We've played tougher matches on dusty streets. This one's no different, except the ground is greener."Pavan exhaled slowly, nodding.Mohith and Pavan's PartnershipThe first over bristled with academy pace. The bowler steamed in fast, searing yorker aimed at Mohith's toes. Somehow, Mohith jammed his cracked bat down. Ball squirted for two.Mocking laughter rippled from the sidelines.But Mohith's reply came immediately—next ball, CRACK! A pure cover drive raced to the rope. Laughter melted into silence.By the third over, Mohith had unleashed two sixes and three boundaries. His raw fire was undeniable.Beside him, Pavan played the anchor. Not flashy, but calm, measured, stealing singles, rotating the strike. His very presence steadied Mohith. Both worked in unison — one flame, one anchor.By the end of six overs, the board read 55/0. Mohith 34, Pavan 16.**Selectors scribbled notes, nodding faintly.Dhruva's SurpriseWhen a wicket fell late, Dhruva walked in. Murmurs spread."The barefoot spinner is batting?"His first swipe was unorthodox, almost clumsy—but the ball ran away for four. Laughter turned into sudden murmurs of respect. His second ball, mistimed, still cleared the infield.By the close of 8 overs, the score stood at 82/2.Mohith 41*(22)Pavan 20*(18)Dhruva 10*(6)The selectors exchanged quiet smiles.Head Selector:
"They lack polish… but they play with blood. Hard to ignore."Arjun's StormBut the chase brought silence. Arjun strode in to open, his bat gleaming like a sword of royalty. Every movement oozed confidence.First delivery—timed perfectly for four. Second—pulled powerfully into the stands. Within two overs, he had 25 off 10.Mohith clenched his fists from mid-off.Mohith (inner voice):
"Where I fight, he commands. This is what makes Arjun dangerous…"Dhruva's SpellBy the fifth over, Mohith signaled.Mohith:
"Dhruva. It's your turn."The boy walked silently, ball in hand. Ridiculed before, now all eyes were on him.First ball dipped, spun sharply—batsman beaten. Second, lofted high—Mohith sprinted, diving forward to pouch it! Wicket.Then Arjun faced Dhruva.Arjun (smirking):
"You think you can shame me again?"Dhruva's reply was wordless. He tossed it high, slow, teasing. Arjun stepped forward, executing his perfect swing—EDGE! Pavan at slip clasped it cleanly.Arjun—OUT.A wave of disbelief swept across the crowd. The selectors leaned in. The air was thick with the impossible — Arjun's arrogance broken again by the quiet spinner.The CollapseWith Arjun gone, his team melted under pressure. Mistimed shots, frantic running, stifled boundaries. Mohith's teammates, once mocked, now charged across the grass with energy, fielding like their lives depended on it.When the last over ended, the board showed 72/5. Mohith's team had defended 82.AftermathThe players gathered by the pavilion board as selectors posted evaluations. Gasps began to spread.In bold at the top of "Highlighted Performers":Mohith – explosive batting, leadershipPavan – anchor, composureDhruva – mystery spin, two wickets including Arjun'sPavan's eyes widened. Dhruva clutched his ball tightly, bewildered at the cheers around him. Mohith, though, only gripped his bat tighter, the fire in his eyes unquenchable.Across the ground, Arjun stood apart. His fists clenched, his bat trembling in his hand. He turned slightly, muttering under his breath, voice shaking with fury.Arjun:
"Mohith… I'll burn everything you've built. This isn't over. Not yet."Mohith glanced once at him, then back at the scoreboard. His voice stayed steady, quiet but resolute.Mohith (inner voice):
"We've survived our first trial. But this is just the beginning. The real war starts now."Closing screen fades to black.
Next Time: Selection or Elimination