#----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
Author Thought
I'm thrilled to share that I've begun work on my new book, Tales of Dhira — a fantasy fiction novel set in the era of the Mahabharata.
This story blends mythology, imagination, and the timeless essence of heroism and destiny.
It's only the beginning of a long creative journey, and I would be truly grateful if you could read the chapters and share your thoughts.
Your feedback and encouragement will help shape Tales of Dhira into something truly special.
#----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
The fourth match of the camp arrived with a crisp October breeze. The fog had thinned, but the chill lingered. Players stretched in silence, knowing this wasn't just another game—it was the final match of Week Four, and the pressure was mounting.
The team sheets were posted.
Nikhil Sharma was not in the playing XI.
Again.
He didn't flinch. He walked to the dugout, opened his notebook, and began updating his Shadow Captain Log. The title on today's page read:
Match 4 – Tactical Breakdown
As the match began, Suresh Raina walked over, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the field. He stopped beside Nikhil and glanced at the notebook.
"Mind if I join you today?" he asked.
Nikhil looked up, surprised. "Of course, sir."
Raina pulled up a chair.
The Tactical Dialogue
Every few overs, Raina leaned in.
5th Over – Team Red batting, 32/0 Raina: "If you were Red's captain, what would you tell the openers now?" Nikhil: "Keep the tempo. But one of them should start rotating strike. Build rhythm before acceleration."
10th Over – Team Green bowling change Raina: "If you were Divakar, would you bring in spin now?" Nikhil: "Yes. The ball's holding slightly. A slower over could break the flow."
15th Over – Red 98/2, drinks break Raina: "What's your field for the next five overs?" Nikhil: "Deep midwicket, long-off, short third man. Bowl wide outside off. Force horizontal shots."
Raina nodded after each answer, occasionally jotting something in his own pad. He didn't correct. He didn't guide. He listened.
As the match progressed, Nikhil continued logging:
Divakar delayed bowling changes again.
Field placements reactive, not predictive.
Red's captain rotated strike better under pressure.
The match was tight. Team Green fought hard. But in the final overs, Team Red's middle order held firm and chased down the target with three balls to spare.
Team Red won.
Post-Match Reflection
Raina stood up, stretched, and looked at Nikhil.
"You've got a good eye. You read the game like it's talking to you."
Nikhil smiled faintly. "I just try to listen."
Raina didn't say more. He walked off, leaving Nikhil with his notebook and a growing sense of readiness.
The Practice continues
The next day was officially marked as rest. Players lounged in the dorms, some went out for breakfast, others caught up on sleep.
But Nikhil was already in the gym by 4:30 AM.
He began with rotation drills—jog, sprint, jog. Then planks, push-ups, pull-ups. His shirt was soaked by 6:00 AM, but he didn't stop.
By 7:30, he was on the field again.
He set up the bowling machine to 135 kmph, adjusted cones, and began his solo net session:
Fast-paced overs: boundary intent, footwork drills.
Slow-paced overs: strike rotation, defensive angles.
He imagined match scenarios. He captained both teams. He bowled off-spin to imaginary batters with elite footwork.
He took short breaks—water, breath, reset.
Then back to the crease.
By 10:00 PM, the academy lights dimmed. His legs trembled. His breath was shallow. But his mind was clear.
He packed up slowly, whispered to Veer, "We're almost there," and walked back to Room 101.
Week Five was coming.
And he was ready to be undeniable.