Chapter 16: Four Years Later

Four years had passed since Arjun first stepped into the prestigious city academy. Now, at the age of 16, he had transformed into a formidable cricketer, thanks to countless hours of training, the relentless guidance of the SCI, and his unwavering dedication. His body had grown taller and stronger, and his skills had developed far beyond what he could have imagined at the age of 12.

The journey had not been easy. There were countless days when exhaustion had taken over, and the competition had seemed too intense. But Arjun had persevered, and his hard work was starting to pay off.

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A Rising Star

At 16, Arjun was now one of the academy's top players. He had become an all-rounder, just like his father had dreamed. His bowling speed had increased significantly, and his batting had improved to the point where he could take on any bowler with confidence. His fielding, once a weakness, had become sharp and dependable.

The SCI had been a constant presence in his mind, offering feedback on every movement, every delivery, and every shot. It had helped him stay ahead of the competition, but Arjun had also developed a deep understanding of the game through experience.

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Coach Dhawan's Announcement

One late afternoon, after an intense practice session, Coach Dhawan called for the entire team to gather. There was a buzz of excitement, as everyone sensed something big was coming.

"Listen up, everyone," Coach Dhawan began, his authoritative voice cutting through the chatter. "We've got an important announcement. The state selectors are coming to watch our academy's best players next week. They're looking for young talent to represent the state in the Ranji Trophy."

A murmur of excitement spread through the group. The Ranji Trophy was a dream for any aspiring cricketer in India. It was the first major step toward playing at the national level.

Coach Dhawan's eyes landed on Arjun. "Arjun Singh, you've been shortlisted. You'll have a chance to showcase your skills in front of the selectors. But don't get comfortable. The competition is tough, and only a few will make it."

Arjun's heart raced. This was the opportunity he had been working for. The Ranji Trophy was within reach, but he knew it wouldn't be easy. The next week would be crucial, and he would have to give it everything he had.

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Preparing for the Trials

The following days were filled with rigorous training. Arjun pushed himself harder than ever, focusing on every aspect of his game. The SCI became an even more critical part of his routine, analyzing his performance and suggesting precise adjustments to improve his skills.

Arjun's Current Skill Levels at Age 16:

1. Batting:

Power: 70%

Consistency: 65%

Technique: 68%

2. Bowling:

Speed: 130 km/h

Accuracy: 72%

Swing: 60%

3. Fielding:

Agility: 75%

Catching: 80%

Throwing: 70%

Arjun knew that his bowling had become his strongest asset, with his speed now reaching 130 km/h. But to stand out in front of the selectors, he would need to bring all his skills to the forefront.

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Facing the Pressure

The day of the trials arrived, and the tension at the academy was palpable. Selectors from the state's Ranji Trophy team sat in the stands, watching every move on the field. The players knew that their performances today could determine their futures in cricket.

Arjun was calm but focused. Over the years, he had learned how to manage the pressure, and the SCI had been an invaluable tool in helping him maintain his mental focus. Today, he needed to prove that he was ready for the next level.