Back in India, Arjun returned a hero.
Schools celebrated, newspapers covered the under-19 World Cup victory, and selectors began to murmur about fast-tracking him into higher levels. Sid, meanwhile, was furious. No matter how hard he tried to assert dominance, Arjun's calm, calculating leadership outshone him in every arena.
The Devil persona was no longer just whispered among players. Journalists, commentators, and former cricketers began using it in articles: "The Devil from Guntur", a boy whose uncanny ability to bend matches to his will was impossible to ignore.
Arjun never publicly acknowledged the name. To him, it was just another layer of perception to manipulate. The more people feared or respected him quietly, the easier it would be to guide events without interference.
He continued training, studying not just cricket but patterns of behavior, statistics, and systems. The under-19 victory was a milestone, but not a goal. His real focus was building networks, understanding influence, and preparing for the challenges of higher levels of cricket—and beyond.
Even in interviews, his answers were measured. He never revealed strategy, never flinched, never played to ego. Yet every subtle statement further amplified his persona.
Sid's frustration grew. Every match, every tournament, every selection reinforced the perception that Arjun was untouchable. And the more Sid reacted, the stronger Arjun's invisible influence became.