chapter 5-mentor returns

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Sultanganj as Sonu Kumar made his way toward the practice nets. With his new bat in hand, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The past few days had been a whirlwind of training, and he was eager to put his new skills to the test. However, as he stepped onto the field, an unsettling doubt lingered in the back of his mind. He had been practicing diligently, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something crucial was missing.

As Sonu prepared for another round of batting practice, a familiar voice called out from behind him. "Sonu Kumar!"

He turned to see Vishal Bhaiya approaching, his tall frame moving with a sense of familiarity and confidence that made Sonu's heart leap. Vishal had been a mentor to him during his earlier cricketing days, and his presence felt like a long-lost friend returning home.

"Vishal Bhaiya!" Sonu exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile. "I didn't know you were back in Sultanganj!"

Vishal grinned, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "I couldn't stay away, especially with the new stadium opening up. I've been hearing good things about you, Sonu. Training for the academy tryouts?"

"Yes!" Sonu replied, his excitement palpable. "I've been practicing every day. I found some old equipment at the abandoned cricket club. It's not brand new, but it's helping."

Vishal raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Old equipment? That's resourceful. But tell me, how's your game coming along?"

Sonu hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I feel like I'm improving, but I still struggle with my footwork and timing. The other boys seem so much better than me."

"Sonu, every great player started somewhere," Vishal said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's all about how you build on your skills. You have potential, but what you need now is guidance. Let me help you."

Sonu's heart raced at the thought. Vishal had been an exceptional player, and training under him would be a dream come true. "You'd really do that for me? I'd love to learn from you!"

Vishal nodded, his smile widening. "Absolutely. But you need to be ready to work hard. I won't go easy on you."

"I'm ready!" Sonu declared, his determination ignited. "I'll give it my all."

"Good," Vishal said. "Let's start with your stance and footwork. Meet me here every evening after practice, and I'll show you some drills."

As they moved toward the nets, Sonu felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervousness. With Vishal's guidance, he had a chance to truly elevate his game.

They began with the basics. Vishal observed Sonu's stance, making adjustments as necessary. "You're too rigid, Sonu. Relax your shoulders, bend your knees slightly, and keep your weight on your back foot until the ball is bowled."

Sonu nodded, trying to implement the feedback. With each swing of the bat, he focused on his body's movements, attempting to synchronize his footwork with the ball's trajectory. Vishal stood nearby, calling out tips and corrections, his voice steady and encouraging.

"Now, let's practice your footwork," he instructed. "I want you to take small steps toward the pitch, shifting your weight smoothly."

They worked tirelessly for over an hour, Sonu drenched in sweat but feeling invigorated. He could feel himself improving with each swing, each correction made by Vishal.

After a grueling practice session, Vishal clapped Sonu on the back. "Great work today! Your footwork is already looking better, but there's still room for improvement."

"Thank you, Bhaiya!" Sonu beamed, the exhaustion fading into exhilaration. "I can already feel the difference."

Vishal nodded, his expression turning serious. "Now, remember, this isn't just about physical skill. Cricket is also a mental game. You need to think strategically about each delivery. You can't just react—you have to anticipate."

Sonu listened intently, taking in every word. "How do I do that?"

Vishal gestured toward the practice nets. "Watch the bowler's wrist, see how he grips the ball. Every bowler has a tell. If you can read their body language, you'll know what type of delivery is coming."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the field, Sonu felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Vishal. This mentorship was a gift—one that could change everything for him.

The following days blurred together as Sonu dedicated himself to training with Vishal. He practiced diligently, soaking up every lesson like a sponge. The drills became more intense, focusing not just on batting but also on fielding and strategy. Vishal emphasized the importance of conditioning, and Sonu incorporated fitness training into his routine, pushing his limits further each day.

By the end of the week, Sonu could feel the changes. He moved more fluidly on the field, his bat seemed lighter in his hands, and he had developed a clearer understanding of the game. He felt the confidence growing within him, fueled by the progress he was making.

One evening, after a particularly intense practice session, Sonu and Vishal sat on the grass, catching their breath. The stadium glowed under the floodlights, and the sounds of distant laughter and cheering floated through the air from a nearby match.

"Bhaiya," Sonu began hesitantly, "do you think I have a chance at the academy tryouts?"

Vishal turned to him, his gaze steady. "Sonu, talent matters, but it's not everything. Hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn are what truly count. You've shown me all of that over the past week. If you keep this up, you'll have a strong shot."

Sonu felt a rush of hope. He still had a long way to go, but for the first time, he truly believed in his potential. "I won't let you down, Bhaiya. I promise to keep working hard."

"Good," Vishal said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Just remember, it's not just about the tryouts. It's about your journey as a cricketer. Enjoy the process, learn from every moment, and keep pushing yourself."

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Sonu felt a sense of calm wash over him. He was on the right path, and with Vishal by his side, he was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

**End of Chapter 5**