Chapter 30 : RCB???
Chapter 30 lol
Another year passed,
System Overview:
Name: Advay Rai
Age: 18
Birthdate: February 17, 2000
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 80 kg
Templates:
Batting: ABD (100%), KL Rahul (100%)Bowling: Dale Steyn (100%), Jasprit Bumrah (100%)Talent: Cricket (SSS)Business (EX)Shop: UnlockedPopularity: Unlocked
Abilities:
Sleep Less Yet: For every hour Advay sleeps, it feels like he has slept for 2 hours.Twice the Sleep: Sleep twice as effective for recovery, restoring stamina and focus.
That year, Advay Rai continued to dominate on the cricket field. After his stunning performance at the U-19 World Cup, he returned to his home state of Karnataka and played another outstanding season in the Ranji Trophy. Advay was in sensational form, once again leading Karnataka to a Ranji Trophy win, further solidifying his place as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, contributing heavily with the bat and playing crucial roles in Karnataka's victories. His consistent performances throughout the season had every selector and cricket expert buzzing about his potential future in the senior team.
After the Ranji Trophy, Advay set his sights on the IPL. The Indian Premier League had become one of the most prestigious leagues in world cricket, and Advay knew that this was the perfect opportunity to take his game to the next level. In December, he made the decision to put his name forward for the IPL auction, aware that his performances in the domestic circuit, especially in the Ranji Trophy, had caught the attention of many franchises.
As the auction date neared, Advay kept his focus on improving his game further, while also mentally preparing for the possibility of being part of the IPL. He was excited, but also grounded, knowing that he had to prove himself at the highest level. His journey from the U-19 World Cup to the Ranji Trophy had been extraordinary, but the IPL was a whole new challenge. Advay was ready for whatever came next.
January 22, 2019 – Rai Mansion, Bengaluru
The soft clinking of silverware echoed through the grand dining room as the Rai family enjoyed their evening meal. The aroma of freshly cooked biryani filled the air, mixing with the faint chill of the Bengaluru evening.
Aditi, sitting across from Advay, smirked as she speared a piece of paneer with her fork. "So, little brother, in five days, you'll finally be worth something."
Advay raised an eyebrow. "I'm already worth something."
Aditi rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're a billionaire—the founder of Swiggy, the guy who could probably buy half the IPL teams if he wanted to. But this? The IPL auction? This is the first time you'll be valued in cricket."
Ilana chuckled as she sipped her wine. "She's not wrong, sweetheart. Money is one thing, but now, the world will see how much you're worth as a cricketer."
Arjun, who had been listening quietly, leaned back in his chair. "And that's the real question, isn't it? Do you care about the price tag, or do you care about what comes after?"
Advay didn't hesitate. "I don't care about the money. I just want to play at the highest level."
Arjun gave a small nod, his sharp gaze meeting his son's. "Good answer."
Before the conversation could continue, Advay's phone vibrated on the table. The name on the screen made Aditi nearly choke on her drink.
"Wait… is that Virat Kohli calling you?"
Advay smirked and picked up the phone. "Virat bhaiya?"
Virat's familiar voice rang through. "Advay! How's my future IPL star doing?"
Advay chuckled. "I'm good, bhaiya. Just having dinner with my family."
"Good, good. Listen, I won't keep you long, but I wanted to call and tell you—get ready. The auction's going to be wild."
Advay raised an eyebrow. "That bad?"
Virat laughed. "That good. I've talked to a few team owners. Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad all have their eyes on you. But listen, I personally spoke to the RCB management about you, and they're interested. I told them they'd be stupid to let you go elsewhere."
Advay's expression remained calm, but Aditi's jaw dropped. "Wait, Virat Kohli recommended you to RCB?! Do you even realize how insane that is?"
Virat continued. "RCB's looking at their options, but I've done my part. I told them straight—I want you in Bangalore. We'll do our best to make it happen, but it depends on how the bidding war goes."
Advay smirked. "So, I might play under you, then?"
Virat chuckled. "That's the plan. But if another team goes crazy with their bid, there's only so much we can do. Just be ready for anything."
Advay nodded. "I will. Thanks for the call, bhaiya."
"Anytime. And if RCB does get you, be ready to open with me."
With that, Virat ended the call, leaving Advay with a thoughtful expression as he returned to the table.
Aditi leaned forward eagerly. "So? What did King Kohli say?"
Advay smirked. "That RCB is interested, and he personally recommended me to them."
Arjun crossed his arms. "And?"
Advay casually took a bite of his food before replying, "They'll do their best to have me on RCB, but it depends on how crazy the auction gets."
Aditi clutched her forehead. "You mean to tell me that Virat Kohli himself wants you in his team, and this still isn't a guaranteed deal?!"
Ilana chuckled softly. "It seems cricket values you quite highly, then."
Arjun folded his arms. "It's not about the number, Advay. It's about what you do once you step onto that field. Don't let the price define you—let your game do that."
Advay nodded. "I don't care how much they pay. I just want to win."
Aditi smirked. "Well, whatever team gets you, they'd better be ready. Because they're about to sign the richest teenager in IPL history."
The room fell into silence for a moment before Ilana laughed softly. "Oh, sweetheart, we should start preparing for the headlines now."
Arjun simply smiled. "Five days to go."
And with that, the countdown to the most anticipated IPL auction in history had truly begun.
January 27, 2019 – The Day of the IPL Auction
Rai Mansion, Bengaluru
The large 75-inch TV screen in the Rai family's home theater was tuned into Star Sports, where the IPL 2018 Auction was being broadcast live from Bengaluru. The Rai family sat together, watching the action unfold as the biggest franchises in cricket fought for the top talent.
The auction hall on the screen was buzzing with anticipation. Franchise representatives, coaches, and owners sat at their tables, paddles in hand, ready to bid for their next superstar. In the center of it all stood Richard Madley, the English auctioneer, calling out names and starting the bidding process.
Advay sat back on the couch, dressed in a simple black hoodie and sweatpants, his expression calm. Next to him, Aditi was already engaged in the action, reacting dramatically to each bid. Arjun and Ilana sat nearby, observing with amusement.
**"And we begin the IPL 2018 Auction with the marquee category—Capped Indian Players!" the auctioneer announced.
The first name on the list appeared on the screen.
Gautam Gambhir – Base Price ₹2 Crore
Auctioneer: "Shall we start at ₹2 crore? Kolkata Knight Riders, do you want him back?"
The bidding war erupted almost instantly. Delhi Daredevils and KKR started raising their paddles.
Aditi leaned forward. "Gambhir back to Delhi makes sense. He started his IPL career there."
The bid shot up to ₹3.2 crore, and after a short back-and-forth, Delhi secured Gambhir.
"Sold! To Delhi Daredevils for ₹3.2 crore."
Advay smirked. "A smart buy. They need an experienced captain."
Aditi rolled her eyes. "Not everything is about strategy, Mr. Cricket Genius."
Advay simply shrugged.
KL Rahul – Base Price ₹2 Crore
The next big name popped up—KL Rahul.
Auctioneer: "We start at ₹2 crore. Do I see a bid?"
Instantly, the bidding escalated. RCB, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, and Sunrisers Hyderabad all raised their paddles.
₹5 crore. ₹6 crore. ₹7 crore. ₹8 crore.
The price skyrocketed, and Punjab refused to back down.
Aditi widened her eyes. "Why are they going so crazy over Rahul?"
Arjun smirked. "He's a local Karnataka boy, but more importantly, he can open and keep wickets. That makes him a hot commodity."
Advay nodded. "Plus, he's a T20 beast. Punjab needs a consistent top-order batsman."
After a tense bidding war, Kings XI Punjab secured KL Rahul for ₹11 crore!
Aditi whistled. "Eleven crores?! That's insane. And this is just the start!"
Advay chuckled. "The uncapped players will be interesting."
Aditi smirked. "Oh, you mean your category?"
Advay didn't reply, just leaned back with a slight smirk. His time in the auction was still a while away.
Ben Stokes – Base Price ₹2 Crore
The room fell silent as the biggest overseas all-rounder went under the hammer.
Auctioneer: "We begin at ₹2 crore."
Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings immediately raised their paddles.
₹5 crore. ₹7 crore. ₹9 crore. ₹10 crore!
The numbers kept rising, and Aditi gasped. "What are they doing?! That's way too much!"
Ilana smiled. "They're investing in a match-winner."
The bid finally settled at ₹12.5 crore, with Rajasthan Royals winning the battle.
Arjun nodded. "A good investment. Stokes is a proven game-changer."
Aditi groaned. "All this money being thrown around, and you don't even care about it."
She pointed at Advay, who was watching calmly.
Advay smirked. "Like I said, the number doesn't matter. Only the cricket does."
Aditi rolled her eyes. "Ugh, you're impossible."
The auction continued, with other capped players like Ravichandran Ashwin (₹7.6 crore to Punjab), Chris Lynn (₹9.6 crore to KKR), and Mitchell Starc (₹9.4 crore to KKR) finding new homes.
Then, after almost an hour, the auctioneer's voice rang out:
"And now, we move to the Uncapped Indian Players!"
Aditi grinned, nudging Advay. "Showtime, little brother."
Advay's smirk widened slightly. Now, things were about to get interesting.
The Rai family remained seated, completely engrossed in the auction. After an intense round of bidding for the capped players, the focus now shifted to the uncapped Indian players, including young talents from the 2018 U-19 World Cup squad—players Advay had played alongside.
Aditi clapped her hands together excitedly. "Alright, let's see how much your teammates are worth before we get to you."
Advay just smirked, his eyes fixed on the screen.
The auctioneer, Richard Madley, adjusted his glasses as he read the next name. "First up, we have India's U-19 vice-captain and opening batsman—Prithvi Shaw! Base price ₹20 lakh. Do I have a bid?"
Immediately, Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals raised their paddles. The price quickly shot up to ₹1 crore, then ₹2 crore, as Kolkata Knight Riders entered the race.
After a fierce back-and-forth, Delhi Daredevils finally won the bid at ₹1.2 crore.
"SOLD! To Delhi Daredevils for ₹1.2 crore."
Aditi gasped. "Whoa! Prithvi is already a millionaire!"
Advay smirked. "Expected. He was the captain, and Delhi needs young openers."
The next name flashed on the screen.
"Next, we have Shubman Gill, India's middle-order sensation! Base price ₹20 lakh."
This time, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad got into a bidding war.
₹1 crore… ₹2 crore… ₹3 crore!
The number kept rising before KKR secured Shubman Gill for ₹1.8 crore.
Aditi whistled. "Shubman's price is higher than Prithvi's. Not surprising."
Advay nodded. "Makes sense. He's a middle-order batter who can build an innings. Perfect for KKR."
Next, the fast bowlers went under the hammer.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi—two of the fastest bowlers in the U-19 World Cup—both went for massive amounts.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti – ₹3.2 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shivam Mavi – ₹3 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Aditi clutched her forehead. "Are you serious?! ₹3 crore for uncapped pacers?"
Arjun smirked. "Pace is a rare commodity. KKR is thinking long-term."
Advay simply watched, his expression calm. His turn was coming soon.
A brief silence fell over the auction hall before the auctioneer cleared his throat.
"And now, we have one of the most anticipated names in the auction… from Karnataka, India's U-19 World Cup-winning star… a batting all-rounder… Advay Rai!"
The screen flashed:
Advay Rai – Batting All-Rounder
Base Price: ₹50 Lakh
At that moment, the Rai family sat up straighter. The tension in the auction room—and in the mansion—was palpable.
Aditi exhaled. "Alright, here we go."
Arjun simply watched the screen with sharp eyes, while Ilana smiled slightly, sensing the excitement.
Advay? He leaned back in his seat, his smirk never fading.
And then, the bidding war began.
The moment Advay's name was announced, nearly every team raised their paddles. The auction room erupted into a flurry of bids, with franchises eager to secure one of the most sought-after young talents in Indian cricket.
"₹50 lakh bid from Kolkata Knight Riders," the auctioneer called out, barely finishing his sentence before another paddle shot up.
"₹75 lakh from Rajasthan Royals!"
"₹1 crore from Mumbai Indians!"
The numbers kept climbing at a rapid pace.
"₹2 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad!"
"₹3 crore from Delhi Daredevils!"
Aditi's jaw dropped. "This is insane! Everyone wants you."
Arjun remained silent, watching intently. Ilana smiled, knowing how significant this moment was for Advay's cricketing career.
"₹4.5 crore from Mumbai Indians!"
"₹5 crore from KKR!"
The auctioneer barely had time to breathe between bids.
"₹6 crore from Rajasthan Royals!"
As soon as the bidding touched ₹7 crore, a sudden shift occurred. The number of teams involved dwindled, leaving only two—Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings.
Aditi leaned forward, gripping the armrest of the couch. "Oh my god, it's down to RCB and CSK."
Arjun smirked. "As expected."
Ilana glanced at Advay. "Your friend must have done some convincing."
Advay didn't reply, but a small smirk played on his lips. He knew Virat had spoken to RCB management about him.
"₹7.5 crore from CSK."
"₹8 crore from RCB."
The room at the Rai Mansion was silent except for the sound of the auctioneer's voice.
"₹8.5 crore from CSK."
"₹9 crore from RCB."
The bidding had entered a new territory now. The amount was no longer just for a young U-19 player—it was an investment for the future. The tension in the auction hall was mirrored in the Rai household.
"₹9.5 crore from CSK."
Virat was shown on screen, sitting at RCB's table, his eyes fixed on the auctioneer.
"₹10 crore from RCB."
Aditi let out a whistle. "Ten crores! That's crazy."
CSK took a moment before responding.
"₹10.5 crore from CSK."
RCB didn't hesitate. "₹11 crore."
A long pause. The camera panned to the CSK table, where Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni were in deep discussion.
After a few seconds, the auctioneer looked at them. "Chennai Super Kings, any further bids?"
Dhoni gave a slight shake of his head.
"CSK is out. The bid stands at ₹11 crore for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Going once… going twice… SOLD!"
The Rai family remained quiet for a moment before Aditi suddenly shot up from the couch. "ELEVEN CRORES?! ARE YOU EVEN REAL?!"
Ilana chuckled softly. "Looks like you'll be playing in red, sweetheart."
Arjun smiled, a hint of pride in his expression. "You got the best possible outcome."
Advay simply leaned back, his smirk widening. "Looks like I'll be opening with Virat bhaiya after all."