The sun rose over the Lucknow Cricket Academy with a quiet intensity. The dew on the outfield shimmered like a warning—today wasn't just another day. It was the first step toward selection.
Nikhil arrived early, his kit bag slung over his shoulder, Veer tucked safely inside. The academy's dormitory block stood adjacent to the main pavilion, a three-story building with numbered rooms and a large digital board in the lobby.
He scanned the screen.
Room Allotment – Vijay Hazare Camp
Room 101: Nikhil Sharma
Room 102: Raghav Mehta
Room 103: Sohail Khan … and so on.
Each room housed one player. Privacy, focus, discipline.
Nikhil entered Room 101. It was simple—single bed, study desk, wardrobe, and a window overlooking the nets. He unpacked slowly, placing Veer on the desk like a soldier reporting for duty.
At 7:00 AM sharp, a whistle blew across the campus.
Players gathered on the main field, dressed in UPCA training kits. Coach Rameshwar stood at the center, flanked by Kaif and Raina.
"Welcome to Day One," Rameshwar said. "This camp is not about talent. It's about temperament. You'll be tested in every department—batting, bowling, fitness, and mental clarity. Let's begin."
Warm-Up & Fitness Circuit
The morning began with shuttle runs, cone drills, and core conditioning. Nikhil kept pace—not the fastest, but consistent. Kaif watched silently, noting posture and recovery.
Raina clapped once. "Batting is rhythm. Bowling is repetition. Fitness is foundation."
Batting Nets: Controlled Session
After breakfast, the players rotated into batting nets. Nikhil was assigned to Net 3, facing medium pacers and left-arm spin.
Coach Rameshwar stood behind the net. "You're not here to hit sixes. You're here to build innings."
Nikhil padded up, took guard, and faced his first delivery—a short ball. He swayed back, let it pass.
Second ball: full and straight. He leaned in, drove gently past mid-off.
Third ball: tossed up by the spinner. He waited, then nudged it behind point for two.
He wasn't flashy. He was precise.
Kaif walked by. "Good. You read the bowler, not just the ball."
Bowling Nets: Off-Spin Trials
After lunch, the players rotated into bowling drills. Nikhil joined the off-spin group, a mix of part-timers and specialists.
Coach Rameshwar handed him a ball. "Let's see what you've got."
Nikhil marked his run-up—short, economical. First ball: flighted, dipping in. The batter defended.
Second ball: quicker through the air, skidded past the edge.
Third ball: tossed wider, inviting a drive—mistimed, dot.
Raina nodded. "You've got control. Now work on deception."
Nikhil practiced variations—arm ball, loop, subtle changes in grip. Devraj's voice echoed in his mind: "You're not just a batsman. You're a cricketer."
Evening Reflection
As the sun dipped behind the pavilion, the players gathered for a short debrief. Rameshwar spoke plainly.
"Seven will be selected. The rest will wait. You've got three months. Make every minute count."
Nikhil returned to Room 101, muscles sore, mind alert. He opened his notebook and wrote:
"Lesson: Control is louder than power. Fix: Vary pace in off-spin. Goal: Bat deep. Bowl smart. Reminder: I'm not here to survive. I'm here to shape outcomes."
Outside, the academy lights flickered on. Inside, Nikhil was already preparing for Day Two.