THE
STORY OF A CRICKETER’S LIFE
Riddhwimaan
was a simple boy. He liked cricket from the core of his heart. He went to
Uttarpara Government Coaching Center. All went well. He was playing fine, was made
captain 15 times, had 978 runs in 53 matches with an average of almost 15.60
and a strike rate of up to 80. Riddhwi was an all rounder , was a medium fast
pacer, got 103 wickets in 53 matches with a BBI of 4-06 (3). But one Sunday
Riddhwimaan’s teacher Pradip Sir didn’t came. So, the head of the coaching
center, Tanmay Sir asked the 7-8 student who came from the U-12 group to play
with the big guys. And now the real story begins. Something happened which
changed Riddhwimaan’s life for the best. And
the match begun. Riddhwimaan’s team batted first. Not a single junior got
batting as the worthless captain thought that the juniors were not capable to
play with them. But his team scored 114-7 (15). Riddhwi was least interested in
all that. But he didn’t lose hope. He was continuously asking the seniors for
bowling. But they didn’t care. When Riddhwi asked for the 8th time
then a seniormost player, Rahul got irritated. He shouted at Riddhwi and said
something which is not utterable. Riddhwi, angry, sad, depressed and annoyed
went home with his mother. He didn’t say anything to his parents but decided
himself that he would take revenge from Rahul and all of the seniors by his
cricket. The
next 5 years was the golden period for Riddhwimaan’s life. He played just
marvelously and was promoted to the 5th seniormost player in the
whole academy. But ahead of him was Rahul, Sapru, Partha Pratim and Manan.
Those 4 had once underestimated Riddhwi when he had played for their team 5
years back. Riddhwimaan was an experienced player now as he had already played
46 matches in CAB, had 240 runs with an average touching 40. Also he had taken
69 wickets for his team. But Rahul and the rest were ahead of Riddhwi. Although
Riddhwimaan didn’t lose hope. He continued to play with full determination. And
now the climax comes. Lets see what happens. And
now the most awaited moment comes! The Ranji Trophy selection! With utter
surprise Rahul and Riddhwimaan were selected for the trial. Now Riddhwi could
take his revenge from Rahul. He had waited for 5 years for this day. Only one
will be selected from two. The trial started. Both were getting together. It
was looking that two twins were competing. Both had same capabilities. Now it
was a tough decision. The Bengal Coach now took a strong step. He first asked
both of them to ball and hit only one stump. The man who hits the stump the
most number of times will be the winner of this round. Rahul
hit the stump 3 times. Riddhwi also did the same. Now the batting round came.
The objective was to take 15 runs from a over. Rahul failed this time. He could
make only 13 runs. Now! It was a big pressure for Riddhwi. If he made 15 runs
he would be selected. If not his dreams would break for a year. He padded up
and came to bat. First ball he took a double. Second ball, only a single.
Pressure was growing. Lo and behold! Next ball was a boundary. Now it was 8
from 3. But the next 2 ball Riddhwi got two singles. Last ball ! Riddhwi needs
a six. The ball was on the leg and was of full length. And, And Riddhwi got six
runs. He was selected for the Bengal Ranji Team. Rahul
fell on the ground and started crying. And it was Riddhwi who comforted it.
Rahul felt sorry and apologized for his behavior 5 years back. He understood
his mistake. Now they again became friends. All of the academy wished Riddhwi
for the Ranji Trophy. Now Riddhwimaan was happy as he had taken his revenge.
