Chapter 21: The Bengal Test

The Ranji Trophy league was moving fast, and after their victory over Railways, the Maharashtra team found themselves preparing for one of the toughest matches yet—against Bengal. The atmosphere was intense, and the air crackled with anticipation. For Arjun, this wasn't just another game. It was his chance to test himself against the great Sourav Ganguly, a cricketer he had admired for years.

Pre-Match Tension

The morning of the match arrived, and Arjun woke up early, unable to sleep from the excitement. He had gone over countless strategies in his head, analyzing every possible situation, but nothing could prepare him for what it would be like to stand on the field opposite a legend like Ganguly.

As the team bus approached Eden Gardens, Arjun felt the enormity of the moment. The iconic stadium, the history, and the legends who had walked these grounds—it all added weight to the occasion.

In the locker room, the captain addressed the team, giving final instructions.

"We've done well so far, but this is where it gets tough," the captain said. "We're up against one of the best, but remember, they are human too. Stick to the plan and play smart. We've got this."

Arjun, sitting in the back, focused on his own thoughts. His father's words echoed in his mind: "Pressure is nothing but a tool. Use it to sharpen your focus."

The Toss and the Start

Maharashtra won the toss and opted to bat first. Arjun wasn't called up immediately, as the top order set the tone for the innings. The openers faced fierce bowling from Bengal's attack, and the crowd roared with every dot ball.

Sitting in the dugout, Arjun couldn't keep his eyes off the field. His SCI system was quietly working in the background, analyzing every bowler, feeding him information on their line, length, and variations.

When Maharashtra lost two quick wickets, the call came. It was Arjun's turn.

Arjun at the Crease

The walk to the crease felt like it lasted forever. Arjun adjusted his gloves, trying to calm his nerves as he faced the stadium's deafening noise. His SCI pinged, giving him data on the bowler he was about to face—Ashok Dinda, a speedster with sharp pace.

The first ball whizzed past Arjun's bat, just missing the outside edge. It was a wake-up call. He gritted his teeth, determined not to let the pressure get to him.

On the next ball, he leaned forward and guided the delivery through the covers for a smooth boundary. The crowd roared, and Arjun felt a rush of confidence. The game had begun for him.

Over after over, Arjun played with composure, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. He faced a mix of bouncers, yorkers, and deceptive spin, but with every ball, he sharpened his skills, aided by the subtle cues from the SCI.

Facing Sourav Ganguly

The moment he had been waiting for arrived in the middle overs—Sourav Ganguly took the ball. The seasoned veteran had been brought into the attack, and Arjun braced himself. Facing a player of such caliber wasn't just about technique; it was about outthinking your opponent.

Ganguly's first delivery was a cunning outswinger, and Arjun played it carefully, letting the ball pass. The SCI detected a subtle pattern—Ganguly was using his experience to lure the batsmen into false shots. Arjun adjusted his stance accordingly, prepared for the mind games.

The next delivery was fuller, and Arjun drove it straight down the ground, earning himself another four. He could sense Ganguly analyzing him, sizing him up. The battle wasn't just physical; it was psychological.

For the next few overs, Arjun played with a calculated approach, scoring efficiently while minimizing risks. Every run was a small victory, not just for the scoreboard but for his own confidence.

A Hard-Fought Innings

By the time Arjun's innings came to an end, he had scored 58 runs—a crucial knock that helped Maharashtra build a competitive total. As he walked back to the pavilion, he felt a sense of satisfaction. He had faced Ganguly, held his ground, and contributed significantly to the team.

His teammates greeted him with pats on the back, acknowledging his efforts. But Arjun knew the real test was yet to come—his bowling against Bengal's batting lineup.

Arjun with the Ball

When Maharashtra took the field, Bengal's openers came out with intent, looking to chase the target aggressively. Arjun was brought into the attack early, the captain trusting his young all-rounder to break the opening partnership.

His first few deliveries were fast and on target, clocking at 135 km/h. The SCI was feeding him data on the batsmen, but Arjun was relying just as much on instinct and experience.

Then, the moment he had been waiting for arrived—Ganguly walked out to bat. The stadium erupted in cheers, but Arjun blocked it out, focusing solely on the task at hand.

He started with a bouncer, testing Ganguly's reflexes. The veteran swayed out of the way effortlessly, but Arjun wasn't discouraged. He followed up with a good-length ball that swung away late. Ganguly cautiously defended it, watching Arjun closely.

The battle was intense. Arjun mixed up his deliveries, switching between fast-paced bouncers and slower in-swingers. With each ball, he pushed Ganguly further, hoping to create an opening.

A Critical Wicket

On his third over, Arjun saw his chance. He bowled a delivery just outside off-stump, slightly slower than usual. Ganguly, thinking it was a full-paced ball, went for the drive, but the ball swung in sharply, catching the inside edge.

The sound of the ball clattering into the stumps echoed across the stadium.

Arjun had done it. He had taken the prized wicket of Sourav Ganguly.

The team rushed to celebrate with him, but for Arjun, the moment was deeply personal. He had faced his idol and won a critical battle, not just for the team but for himself.

The Aftermath

Maharashtra went on to win the match, with Arjun contributing both with the bat and the ball. But more than the victory, Arjun felt a deep sense of growth. He had faced one of the greatest cricketers in the world and held his own.

As the team celebrated, Arjun couldn't help but look forward to the rest of the tournament. Each match was a step toward something greater, and with every experience, he was inching closer to his dream.