Week Two began with a shift in tone. The soreness from Week One's fitness grind still lingered, but now the focus turned to skill. The nets were open. The cones were rearranged. The camp was ready to test technique.
Coach Rameshwar stood at the center of the field, clipboard in hand. "You've built the body. Now build the game. This week is about refinement—batting, bowling, and tactical awareness. No shortcuts."
Batting Nets: Precision Over Power
Nikhil was assigned to Net 2, paired with two other middle-order hopefuls. The bowlers rotated—medium pace, left-arm spin, off-breaks. The goal wasn't to score runs. It was to survive, adapt, and execute.
Each batter was given 18 balls. Nikhil's turn came mid-morning.
First ball: short and rising. He swayed back, let it pass.
Second ball: tossed up by a spinner. He stepped out, checked his shot, and placed it past cover—two runs.
Third ball: full and swinging. He leaned in, drove along the ground.
Kaif watched from behind the net. "Good judgment. But don't just play the ball. Play the bowler."
Raina added, "Middle-order means momentum. Rotate. Don't wait."
Nikhil focused on strike rotation—soft hands, quick singles, placement over power. He wasn't flashy. He was efficient.
Bowling Nets: Off-Spin Under Scrutiny
In the afternoon, the off-spin group was called to the practice pitch. Nikhil joined six others, each given a stump target and a batter to bowl to.
Coach Rameshwar observed quietly. "You're not here to take wickets. You're here to control the game."
Nikhil bowled five overs across two sessions:
His loop was consistent.
His arm ball beat the bat twice.
His wider delivery tempted a lofted shot—caught at long-off.
Kaif walked over. "You're not a specialist. But you're a weapon. Use it sparingly. Use it smartly."
Nikhil nodded. He wasn't trying to be a frontline spinner. He was trying to be a complete cricketer.
Tactical Drills: Situational Awareness
Evening sessions were held in the strategy room. A whiteboard displayed match scenarios:
"Chasing 240. You walk in at 60/3. What's your first five overs?"
"Defending 210. You're bowling the 38th over. What's your field?"
Players debated. Nikhil listened, then spoke.
"First five overs: rotate strike, assess pitch, avoid risk. Build rhythm."
"38th over: off-spin, wide field, slower pace. Force the batter to reach."
Kaif nodded. "You think like a captain. That's rare."
Reflection
Back in Room 101, Nikhil iced his shoulder and opened his notebook.
"Week Two: Lesson: Technique is timing plus trust. Fix: Quicker release on arm ball. Goal: Bat through middle overs. Reminder: I'm not here to impress. I'm here to influence."
Outside, the academy lights glowed over the nets. Inside, Nikhil was sharpening his edge—one delivery, one decision at a time.