Chapter 54: Prelude to the Season & Concerns
[Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ground - BKC Complex]
The sun was beating down mercilessly on the Maximum City. The humidity was stifling, typical of Mumbai in October.
Thwack.
The sound of the ball hitting the net was crisp.
Aryan was in the nets, facing Dhawal Kulkarni.
He stepped out, converting a good length delivery into a half-volley, and lofted it straight back over the bowler's head. If there were no nets, that ball would have been in the Arabian Sea.
"Shot, yaar," Dhawal nodded appreciatively.
Aryan had been training intensely since returning from London. The domestic season was about to begin in earnest.
"You really are going to be a nightmare for bowlers this season," a voice said from behind the nets.
It was Wasim Jaffer, pads on, ready for his turn.
"Thanks, Bhaiya," Aryan said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Just trying to get used to the red soil bounce again."
