Chapter 27 : Meeting Virat Kohli??

On February 13, 2018, with just four days left until the U-19 World Cup final, the Indian team was given a well-earned rest day. After weeks of intense cricket—training, strategizing, and high-pressure matches—it was a rare chance to unwind and do something outside of cricket.

At breakfast, the players were already discussing their plans for the day.

"We should hit the beach," Prithvi Shaw said, setting his plate down. "It's been all cricket, cricket, cricket—let's just chill for a day."

"Agreed," Riyan Parag nodded. "We can swim, eat some good food, and maybe play a bit of beach volleyball."

"I'm down for volleyball," Abhishek Sharma grinned. "Let's see if Nagarkoti's speed helps him anywhere outside cricket."

"Brother, I'm fast on the pitch," Kamlesh Nagarkoti smirked. "Doesn't mean I'm diving into the sand for a volleyball."

Most of the players laughed, already picturing a fun, relaxing day at the beach. But in the middle of the conversation, Advay, who had been quietly eating, spoke up.

"I think I'll go watch a rugby match instead," he said casually, taking a sip of his coffee.

The table went silent for a moment, before Washington Sundar frowned. "A rugby match?"

Shubman Gill raised an eyebrow. "Bro, of all the things you could do on a rest day, you pick that?"

"What's wrong with rugby?" Advay smirked, leaning back in his chair. "We're in New Zealand. Rugby's huge here. Might as well experience it live."

"Yeah, but alone?" Shivam Mavi asked, tilting his head.

Advay shrugged. "You guys enjoy the beach. I'll be fine."

Riyan Parag laughed. "Man's really built different. We're all out here chilling, and this guy wants to go see people smash into each other on a field."

The table burst into laughter, and even Advay chuckled. "It's a different sport, a different vibe. Besides, I've never seen a rugby match live. Thought I'd try something new."

"You sure you don't want to come to the beach?" Shubman asked.

Advay simply shook his head. "Nah, I'll catch up with you guys later. Have fun."

Seeing that he had made up his mind, the others didn't push further. By late morning, as the rest of the team packed their bags for a day at the beach, Advay grabbed his jacket, booked a cab, and headed toward the stadium to witness New Zealand's favorite sport up close.

Advay scanned his ticket at the entrance and made his way toward the VIP section of the stadium. The roar of the crowd grew louder with every step he took, the thunderous chants and cheers reverberating through the entire arena.

As he reached the VIP lounge, a staff member politely directed him to his seat. The view was perfect, offering a clear sight of the entire field. He settled in, adjusting his jacket as he took in the atmosphere.

The energy was absolutely electric. Fans of both teams were chanting, waving flags, and clapping in rhythm, creating an atmosphere that was just as intense as any cricket final he had played in.

The giant screens displayed the teams warming up, their hulking physiques and powerful sprints showcasing a level of athleticism that was vastly different from cricket. The sound of boots thudding on grass, heavy tackles, and quick passes filled the air as the teams completed their final drills.

Advay leaned back in his seat, taking it all in. This was something entirely new to him. The sheer raw aggression, power, and speed of rugby were a stark contrast to the precision and patience of cricket.

"This is insane," he muttered to himself, a small smirk forming on his lips. The match hadn't even started, yet the stadium felt like it was on fire with energy.

As Advay settled into his seat, still absorbing the electric atmosphere of the stadium, he noticed two people walking toward the row he was sitting in. He didn't pay much attention at first, assuming they were just other VIP guests, but as they got closer, he instinctively turned his head toward them.

His eyes widened.

It was Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma.

For a brief second, Advay just stared in shock. He had seen Virat countless times on television, watched his highlights, and even studied his technique. But seeing him in person—just casually sitting down next to him—was an entirely different experience.

Virat, dressed in a casual black hoodie and jeans, gave a polite nod as he took his seat. Anushka, wearing a stylish yet comfortable jacket and sneakers, smiled as she settled beside him.

Advay quickly regained his composure, turning his gaze back toward the field. But internally, he couldn't help but think, "What are the odds?"

As the halftime break arrived, the stadium buzzed with energy, with fans discussing the game while some stood up to grab refreshments. Advay, after hesitating for a moment, decided to approach Virat and Anushka.

"Excuse me," he said politely, looking at Virat. "Would it be alright if I got a photo with you two?"

Virat turned toward him with a small grin. "Of course, man."

Anushka smiled as well. "Come, let's take one."

Advay quickly pulled out his phone, and a nearby staff member offered to take the photo. He stood between Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, and Anushka Sharma, a Bollywood superstar. It felt surreal.

After the picture was taken, Virat glanced at him curiously. "are you a cricket fan?"

Advay chuckled. "Yeah, you could say that."

Anushka tilted her head slightly. "Do you know who we are?"

Advay smirked. "Most Indians do."

Virat looked at him for a moment before smirking slightly. "Are you a model or something?"

Advay let out a small laugh and shook his head. "No, I'm not."

As they all settled back into their seats, Anushka turned toward him with a curious expression. "Then what do you do?"

Advay glanced at the field momentarily before answering, "I'm a cricketer."

Virat, who had just taken a sip of his drink, turned to face him properly this time, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? What team do you play for?"

"I'm the captain of the India U-19 team."

There was a slight pause before Virat and Anushka exchanged a glance, clearly surprised by the coincidence.

"No way," Virat said with a grin, looking at Advay again with newfound interest. "That's quite something."

Anushka, just as intrigued, tilted her head. "Wait, so is your team on a tour in Switzerland or something?"

Advay shook his head, adjusting his posture slightly. "No, we're here for the U-19 World Cup."

Virat nodded, his expression shifting from casual to more engaged. "So the tournament is happening right now?"

"Yeah," Advay confirmed. "We're actually in the finals."

Anushka's eyes widened slightly. "That's incredible! And you're the captain?"

Advay gave a small nod, but at that moment, it suddenly struck him—he hadn't even introduced himself.

With a slight chuckle, he extended his hand toward them. "I just realized I haven't even told you my name. I'm Advay Rai."

Virat shook his hand firmly, an amused glint in his eyes. "Well, Advay, I think this just got a lot more interesting."

Advay hesitated for a moment before glancing at Virat and Anushka. "Would you guys be able to come watch the final?"

Virat raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You want us there?"

Advay nodded. "It would mean a lot to my teammates. Most of them grew up idolizing you. Having you in the stands, watching us play, would be a huge motivation."

Anushka smiled. "That's sweet. I don't think anyone's personally invited us to an U-19 match before."

Virat leaned back, crossing his arms. "You guys have been playing well?"

Advay smirked slightly. "We've been dominating."

Virat chuckled. "Confidence. I like that." He looked over at Anushka, then back at Advay. "You know what? Why not? If our schedule allows it, we'll be there."

Advay's eyes lit up for a second before he simply nodded. "That'd be great."

Anushka leaned in slightly. "No pressure, though. Just because we're watching doesn't mean you guys have to win."

Advay grinned. "We were planning to win anyway."

Virat let out a laugh. "Alright then, captain. Let's see if you can back those words up in the final."

Advay smirked, leaning back in his seat with a relaxed yet confident air. "I'll hold you to that, then."

Virat let out a small chuckle, giving a slight nod. "Alright, fair enough. If we can make it, we'll be there."

Anushka smiled. "It would be fun to watch. Besides, it's not every day we get a personal invitation from the U-19 captain himself."

Advay grinned, feeling genuinely pleased. But then, an amused thought crossed his mind, and he let out a small laugh, shaking his head.

"Man, my teammates are going to be so pissed when they find out about this."

Anushka raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why's that?"

Advay pulled out his phone, swiping to the picture he had just taken with Virat and Anushka, and turned the screen toward them. "Because I invited them to come watch this rugby match with me," he said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "But instead, they all decided to go to the beach."

Virat glanced at the screen and burst into laughter. "Oh man, that's brutal."

Anushka laughed as well. "You're telling me they ditched this to go play in the sand?"

Advay smirked. "Yep. And when I send them this picture, I can already see the regret on their faces." He let out a dramatic sigh. "Truly, they missed the experience of a lifetime."

Virat shook his head, still grinning. "Well, that's their loss. They chose the beach, and you chose… this." He gestured at himself and Anushka with a teasing smirk.

"Exactly," Advay said with a smirk. "And I have solid proof to rub it in later."

The three of them shared a laugh, the stadium buzzing around them, as the second half of the match was about to begin.

As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in cheers, with fans celebrating and discussing the intense game they had just witnessed. Advay, still feeling the energy of the match, stood up, stretching slightly as he turned to Virat and Anushka.

"Well, that was something else," he said, still taking in the experience of watching his first live rugby match.

Virat nodded. "Yeah, rugby in New Zealand is a different beast. The intensity, the crowd—it's insane."

Anushka smiled. "I bet it was worth ditching the beach for this."

Advay smirked. "Oh, no doubt. And now I get to rub it in when I meet the guys."

Virat chuckled. "Just don't go too hard on them. They'll already hate themselves when they see the picture."

They all shared a light laugh before making their way toward the stadium exit. As they walked, Virat gave Advay a quick glance. "Good luck for the final, kid. Play your game and enjoy it. Big moments don't come often."

Advay gave a small nod, appreciating the words. "Thanks, Virat. And thanks for considering coming to watch. If you do make it, I promise we'll make it worth your time."

Virat smirked. "Now that's something I'd like to see."

Anushka smiled as well. "It was great meeting you, Advay. Wishing you all the best!"

"Likewise," Advay said, shaking both their hands before parting ways.

As he walked away toward his cab, he couldn't help but reflect on what had just happened. Meeting Virat Kohli, inviting him to the final, and casually chatting like it was the most normal thing in the world—it was surreal.

But now, his mind shifted back to what really mattered. The U-19 World Cup final was just four days away, and there was still work to be done.