Chapter 3: Expanding Horizons
The early morning sun cast long shadows over the field as Arjun arrived for another session of secret training. After weeks of working on his bowling, Arjun was ready to push himself further. The Cricket System had unlocked new potential in his bowling, but now it was time to apply it to other aspects of his game—batting and fielding.
He mentally activated the Skill Calibration Interface (SCI) once again. Today's session was going to be about becoming a more well-rounded cricketer, just like his father had always dreamed. He selected Batting and Fielding from the available training modules.
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Batting with SCI:
Arjun stood at the crease, gripping his bat, ready for the first drill. He hadn't focused much on his batting before, but today was different. The SCI activated its training program for batting, and a wave of guidance flooded his mind.
1. Power Enhancement Drill:
The first thing the SCI focused on was Power. "Your power output needs to increase to make better contact with the ball," the voice echoed in his mind.
The system displayed a virtual chart, showing his current power level at 35%. His task was to increase this number by adjusting his stance, grip, and swing.
Arjun followed the instructions, adjusting his foot positioning and generating more momentum with his hips during his swing. He took a deep breath, focusing on the guidance. His first few shots felt much stronger, and with each shot, the SCI provided instant feedback.
"Increase your backswing. Follow through fully."
After a series of strong strokes, Arjun could feel the bat cutting through the air with more force. The difference was palpable as the ball traveled farther than before.
Power Before SCI: 35%
Power After SCI: 40%
2. Consistency Drill:
Next up was Consistency. Arjun's batting had always been a bit erratic; sometimes, he could land powerful shots, but they lacked reliability. The SCI suggested a series of drills focusing on timing and rhythm.
Virtual markers appeared on the pitch in his mind, highlighting where his bat should meet the ball for optimal impact. With the guidance of the SCI, Arjun worked on timing each ball perfectly, adjusting his footwork to get into the right position.
"Maintain your balance. Stay focused on the ball's movement," the system instructed.
As the balls came in, Arjun began timing them better, his shots becoming more fluid and precise. The improvement wasn't drastic, but he could feel a subtle shift in how he was approaching each delivery.
Consistency Before SCI: 38%
Consistency After SCI: 42%
3. Technique Drill:
The final batting drill focused on Technique. Arjun had always had a natural instinct for batting, but the SCI identified key areas where he could improve.
"Lower your stance. Keep your head steady."
The system adjusted his positioning and swing, focusing on his overall technique rather than brute force. By the end of the session, Arjun felt his batting had become more refined. His shots had more intent, and he felt more in control of his bat.
Technique Before SCI: 37%
Technique After SCI: 40%
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Fielding with SCI:
After finishing his batting session, Arjun switched over to fielding drills. The SCI activated once again, this time focusing on his agility, catching, and throwing.
1. Agility Drill:
The SCI began by assessing Arjun's Agility. His movements on the field were not as quick as they needed to be, and the system had a set of drills designed to improve his reaction time and speed.
"You need to be faster, more reactive," the system's voice echoed.
The drills began with Arjun performing sprints and lateral movements across the field. Virtual markers appeared in his vision, challenging him to reach different points quickly. The SCI tracked his speed and reaction time, providing guidance on how to position his body more efficiently.
"Use shorter, quicker steps. Keep your weight centered."
With each sprint, Arjun felt his movements becoming sharper. He could turn and sprint more effectively, improving his ability to react to balls hit in different directions.
Agility Before SCI: 28%
Agility After SCI: 32%
2. Catching Drill:
Next was Catching. Arjun had always struggled with catching fast-moving balls, often fumbling when it mattered most. The SCI's catching drill focused on hand-eye coordination and reaction speed.
Virtual cricket balls appeared in his vision, simulating different speeds and trajectories. The SCI provided real-time feedback, helping him adjust his hand positioning and focus.
"Keep your eyes on the ball until it hits your hands."
Arjun practiced with this virtual simulation, and after several attempts, his hands started reacting more instinctively. He could feel the improvement, his hands snapping shut around the ball more confidently with each catch.
Catching Before SCI: 25%
Catching After SCI: 30%
3. Throwing Drill:
The last fielding drill focused on Throwing. The SCI analyzed Arjun's throwing mechanics, identifying inefficiencies in his motion.
"Extend your arm fully. Release the ball earlier," the system guided.
With these adjustments, Arjun practiced throwing the ball to a target. The difference was immediate—his throws were faster and more accurate. He wasn't just hurling the ball wildly anymore; there was precision and control behind each throw.
Throwing Before SCI: 27%
Throwing After SCI: 33%
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At Home with Jai:
That evening, as Arjun practiced in the backyard, his father Jai noticed something extraordinary. Arjun's batting and fielding had undergone a transformation. His shots were stronger, his fielding more precise. He moved with a new confidence on the pitch.
Jai was impressed, but also curious. "You're improving quickly, Arjun. What's your secret?"
Arjun paused for a moment, contemplating whether he should share the truth. But something held him back. The SCI had become a part of him, something personal that he wasn't ready to reveal.
"I've just been working harder, Dad. Trying to live up to your expectations," he replied, smiling.
Jai nodded, clearly proud but also intrigued. "Keep at it. You're doing great."
As they finished dinner, Arjun felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Cricket System had turned him into a better player, and there was still so much more to unlock. With each passing day, his secret training sessions were bringing him closer to becoming the all-rounder his father always dreamed of.
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End of Chapter 3
This chapter expands on Arjun's training with the SCI, focusing on batting and fielding just as it did with bowling in the earlier chapters. His steady improvement is becoming noticeable, especially to his father, yet Arjun continues to keep the system a secret. Let me know if you'd like to add anything else or continue with the next chapter!