Aarav's performance in the practice match wasn't just a win for the team; it was a profound personal triumph. The spectacular catch that sealed the victory, combined with his two crucial wickets in the death overs, had finally silenced the lingering doubts and proven his mettle under pressure. The self-taught engineering student was no longer just a reserve bowler with "raw pace"; he was a legitimate asset. Coach Reddy, a man of few words but sharp observations, confirmed this with his actions: Aarav was consistently in the playing XI, often entrusted with the crucial Powerplay or death overs.
His ascent was rapid, fueled by an almost obsessive drive. He meticulously analyzed every match, dissecting his own performance and that of the opposition. His pace grew, becoming genuinely disconcerting for many college batsmen. He learned the subtle art of the change-up, the deceptive slower ball, and the searing yorker that sent stumps flying. The inspiration from Dale Steyn was visible in his aggression, the way he attacked the crease and celebrated every dot ball like a wicket. He wasn't just bowling; he was hunting.
Beyond the ball, his quiet commitment to batting continued to develop. In one mid-tournament match, after a top-order collapse, he walked in at number 9 with the team needing to bat out the remaining overs to avoid a humiliating all-out. He calmly faced a hostile spell, defending resolutely, frustrating the opposition, and rotating the strike to the more established batsman at the other end. He absorbed pressure, soaked up deliveries, and showed a temperament that belied his position in the batting order. He didn't score many runs, but his crucial 15-ball stay for 8 runs helped guide the team to a more respectable total. This unglamorous, yet vital, contribution further solidified his value as an all-round asset.
The team, too, was on a formidable run. Match after match, they navigated tricky chases and defended competitive totals. Aarav played his part in each victory, chipping in with vital wickets or tight spells that built pressure. His partnership with the experienced pacers, Rohit and Iqbal, formed a potent attack, capable of taking wickets at any stage. The team's morale soared with each win, their collective belief growing with every opponent they overcame through the league stages.
Navigating his dual life remained a constant, precarious balancing act. Professor Sharma's weekly check-ins were unyielding, forcing Aarav to optimize every minute. Late nights blurred into early mornings, fueled by sheer willpower and an unwavering focus. He submitted assignments on time, kept his grades from slipping, and continued to demonstrate to his professor that his commitment to cricket would not come at the cost of his engineering degree. The phone calls from home still carried undertones of worry about his final year, but he deflected them with confident updates about his academic progress, keeping his cricketing achievements a closely guarded secret. He was proving to himself that he could manage both worlds, a testament to his growing discipline and resolve.