Chapter 4: Measured Progress
The relentless summer heat hadn't stopped Arjun from waking up before dawn each day. His quiet field in the outskirts of the village had become his second home, and the Cricket System (SCI) his closest companion. As the sun rose, casting long golden shadows on the dew-soaked grass, Arjun began his daily practice, the hum of the SCI ever-present in his mind.
With each passing day, the system guided him in perfecting his bowling, batting, and fielding. The gradual improvements were beginning to show, and Arjun could feel the difference, but this morning felt different. Today, Arjun was ready to test his progress and push his limits further.
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Batting: Power, Technique, and Consistency
The SCI initiated the Batting Module, flooding Arjun's thoughts with information as he faced a simulated bowler in his mind. He could almost feel the weight of the ball as it approached. The system tracked his footwork, his grip, and the timing of his shots.
1. Power Drill:
"Power output increased. Focus on transferring weight during the shot," the system echoed.
Arjun stepped forward and swung his bat, feeling the new strength behind his strokes. His shots began traveling further than ever before, the ball cutting through the air with an intensity that felt different from a few weeks ago.
Power After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 35%
Current Level: 42%
The small but steady increase was evident, and Arjun felt the power in his wrists as he swung through each shot, sending imaginary balls soaring past the boundaries in the simulation.
2. Technique Refinement:
"Improve your foot positioning for spin deliveries," the SCI guided as it activated a technique drill focusing on spinners.
Arjun adjusted his stance as the system simulated different spin trajectories, helping him handle the trickier deliveries. Each ball felt easier to manage as his footwork became more nimble, his hands softer on the bat, controlling his shots with a newfound confidence.
Technique After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 37%
Current Level: 43%
3. Consistency Improvement:
Finally, it was time for the Consistency Drill, which was still a challenge. Facing the same deliveries repeatedly, Arjun worked on landing consistent shots. It required focus, rhythm, and controlled power. The more he practiced, the more seamless his movements became, with each ball landing where he intended.
Consistency After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 38%
Current Level: 45%
After an hour of intense batting drills, Arjun could feel a marked improvement. The power in his strokes, the precision in his shot selection, and the ability to maintain form all contributed to his growing confidence.
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Bowling: Speed, Accuracy, and Spin
After the batting session, Arjun turned his attention to bowling, which had been his main focus for weeks. With the SCI helping refine his bowling technique, he had already seen an improvement in his speed and accuracy.
1. Speed Drill:
The SCI set a target speed for the day—50 km/h. It was an ambitious goal for a 12-year-old, but Arjun was determined to push his limits.
"Focus on arm rotation. Increase your follow-through," the system instructed.
Arjun sprinted up to the crease, delivering ball after ball. His muscles were sore from previous training sessions, but he could feel the power building in his arms. Each delivery felt more fluid and forceful than the last.
Speed After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 40 km/h
Current Level: 47 km/h
Though he hadn't reached 50 km/h, he was getting close. The progress was undeniable, and the SCI reassured him, "Speed improvement is steady. Maintain focus on follow-through."
2. Accuracy Drill:
Bowling fast was one thing, but without accuracy, it wouldn't be enough. The Accuracy Drill set up virtual stumps in Arjun's mind, placing markers where his deliveries needed to land.
"Focus on target zone. Adjust wrist positioning," the SCI chimed.
Arjun bowled ball after ball, his focus unwavering. He could feel his control improving, the ball consistently hitting the designated area. His wrist position had become more stable, allowing him to direct the ball precisely where he wanted.
Accuracy After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 35%
Current Level: 42%
3. Spin Improvement:
Although Arjun was training primarily as a fast bowler, the SCI encouraged him to explore different styles. Today, it introduced a Spin Drill, guiding him on how to generate movement off the pitch.
"Experiment with grip. Add spin upon release."
Arjun experimented with his grip, trying to impart spin on the ball. His control over spin was still limited, but he could feel the ball beginning to turn slightly as it hit the ground, catching the edge of the virtual batsman's bat in his simulation.
Spin After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 30%
Current Level: 35%
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Fielding: Agility, Catching, and Throwing
With his arms and legs heavy from bowling, Arjun knew he couldn't neglect his fielding. The SCI switched to Fielding Mode, displaying drills aimed at improving his agility and overall presence on the field.
1. Agility Drill:
Fielding required quick reactions, and Arjun's agility was slowly improving. The SCI set up sprinting markers in his mind, challenging him to reach them in under five seconds.
"Shorter steps. Maintain balance while running."
Arjun sprinted across the field, his legs moving faster than before. He could feel his body responding quicker, turning sharply and running to different points on the field. The drills were exhausting but necessary.
Agility After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 28%
Current Level: 35%
2. Catching Drill:
Next, Arjun moved on to Catching Drills. The SCI simulated high, fast balls, challenging his hand-eye coordination. He had struggled with catching before, often fumbling under pressure, but today, he felt more in control.
"Track the ball. Cushion the impact with your hands."
Arjun focused on the ball's trajectory, his hands reacting more naturally as he caught one after the other. His confidence was building, and the ball felt less intimidating in his grasp.
Catching After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 25%
Current Level: 32%
3. Throwing Drill:
Finally, the SCI guided him through Throwing Drills, focusing on accuracy and arm strength. "Release earlier. Focus on your target."
Arjun followed the guidance, hurling the ball toward the stumps with more precision than ever before. His throws were sharper, more controlled, and faster.
Throwing After Recent Training:
Before SCI: 27%
Current Level: 34%
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At Home: The Suspicion Grows
That evening, as Arjun returned home, he could sense his father watching him more closely than ever. Jai Singh had seen the subtle yet significant changes in his son's abilities. The way Arjun moved, the sharpness in his technique, the quiet confidence that seemed to grow daily—it was becoming hard to ignore.
"Arjun," Jai began, "You've been improving faster than I've ever seen anyone improve. What are you doing differently?"
Arjun hesitated, feeling a rush of anxiety. His secret—the Cricket System—was something he wasn't ready to share, not even with his father.
"I've just been working harder, Dad. I want to get better, like you," Arjun replied, keeping his voice steady.
Jai nodded, though his eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't push the conversation further, but Arjun could feel the growing curiosity. His progress was becoming harder to hide.