AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CRICKETER

            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 8^th 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 5^th 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.