Chapter 76 :

Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Advay sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone. The notifications were endless—mentions, comments, edits, and reactions flooding both Instagram and Twitter.

@RCB_Fanatic: "ADVAY RAI, YOU BEAUTY! 🔥 120* + 2 wickets = KING STUFF! #PlayBold"

@CricketLover99: "I swear, RCB has never had an all-rounder like this. He literally does everything. 😭🙌"

@OfficialIPL: "120* (61) & 2/34 – Advay Rai announces himself in IPL 2020 in STUNNING fashion! What a start to the season for RCB!"

He scrolled further and smirked when he saw a meme:

A picture of him shrugging after his century, with the caption:

"Advay Rai when SRH asked him to slow down: Nah, I'm good."

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message.

Ananya: "Enjoying your fan club?"

He smirked, typing back. "They're alright."

As more notifications rolled in, one thing was clear—RCB fans were already calling it:

"THIS is the year."

The next evening, the RCB squad gathered at a fine-dining restaurant in Dubai for a team dinner. The atmosphere was relaxed, the tension of match day replaced by laughter and casual conversations.

Advay sat across from AB de Villiers, who was swirling his drink, smiling. "So, how does it feel to start the season like that?"

Advay smirked. "Feels normal."

AB chuckled. "You say that like scoring 120* and taking wickets is just another day at the office."

Advay shrugged. "It kind of is."

AB shook his head with a grin. "You remind me of someone."

"Let me guess," Advay said, leaning back. "Virat?"

AB laughed. "Exactly. The same crazy hunger to win."

Nearby, Virat, Chahal, and Morris were arguing over who had ordered the best dish, while Finch was busy explaining Australian slang to a confused Devdutt Padikkal.

The evening stretched on with banter, jokes, and lighthearted moments, but beneath it all, there was a sense of quiet confidence in the air. This RCB team felt different.

As the team enjoyed their dinner, Yuzvendra Chahal suddenly grabbed a spoon, holding it up like a microphone.

"Welcome to Chahal TV: RCB Edition!" he announced dramatically, making everyone chuckle.

He turned to Virat Kohli first. "Captain, how do you feel about our opening game domination?"

Virat smirked. "I feel great, but I think you should ask Advay. He's the one stealing all the headlines."

Chahal immediately swung the "mic" toward Advay. "Sir, how does it feel to be RCB's superstar?"

Advay, unfazed, took a sip of water before answering. "Ask me after we win the trophy."

The team cheered, while Chahal shook his head. "Bhai, thoda filmy dialogue de de, content chahiye!" (Bro, give me some dramatic dialogue, I need content!)

Next, he pointed the spoon at AB de Villiers. "Sir, do you think you and I should open the batting next match?"

AB laughed. "If you're batting, I'm retiring mid-season."

The table burst into laughter, while Chahal dramatically clutched his heart. "Khatam, bye-bye, tata!" (Finished, bye-bye, gone!)

For the rest of the night, Chahal continued his antics, "interviewing" players between bites of food, making the entire team crack up. It was the perfect way to end the night—relaxed, hilarious, and filled with team spirit.

the third match against mumbai, 

Jasprit Bumrah ran in, charging toward the crease with the intensity only he could bring. The ball zipped in at 148 km/h, full and swinging in.

Advay read it early. A flick of the wrists, perfectly timed—and the ball rocketed over deep square leg for SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that's just ridiculous! Bumrah at full pace, and Advay nonchalantly sends it into the stands!"

Bumrah tried again. This time, a short-pitched delivery, rising toward his head. Advay stayed back, rolled his wrists, and hooked it flat over fine leg—SIX more!

Danny Morrison: "OH-HO! Stop it! This man is playing a different game tonight!"

Mumbai needed to stop the damage, but nothing worked. Trent Boult returned in the fifth over, hoping to break the momentum.

First ball—full outside off, Advay leaned in and carved it behind point—FOUR!

Two balls later—Boult adjusted to a hard length, but Advay stayed deep and launched it straight back over his head—SIX!

Ian Bishop: "That is outrageous! Advay Rai is lighting up the Dubai night sky!"

At the other end, Virat Kohli was dealing in elegant strokes. Against Boult, he played a classic cover drive that raced to the boundary, and in the sixth over, he pulled Pollard past midwicket for another four.

RCB stormed to 72/0 at the end of the Powerplay.

But just as it seemed they would cruise, Mumbai finally struck.

In the seventh over, Rahul Chahar tossed one up to Virat, tempting him to go big. Virat went for the slog sweep, but the ball dipped, taking the top edge—caught at deep midwicket!

RCB 72/1 in 6.5 overs

Advay, unfazed, took charge.

First ball after Virat's dismissal—he stepped down the track to Chahar and drilled it inside-out over extra cover for FOUR!

But in the ninth over, Mumbai struck again.

AB de Villiers looked to take on Kieron Pollard, mistimed a lofted drive, and found the fielder at long-on.

RCB 92/2 in 8.4 overs

The momentum seemed to shift slightly, but Advay wasn't slowing down.

In the final over of the first half, Bumrah returned.

First ball—Advay shuffled across, flicked it behind square, ran hard for two.

Next ball—he drilled a straight drive past mid-off—FOUR!

By the end of 10 overs, RCB was at 98/2, with Advay Rai still standing tall on 63 off 34 balls*, ready to explode in the back half of the innings.

As the 11th over began, Advay Rai was a man possessed. The destruction he had started in the Powerplay was now turning into an all-out onslaught.

Jasprit Bumrah returned for a second spell, hoping to slow things down. First ball—full, outside off, 150 km/h.

Advay stepped forward and carved it over deep cover—SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, stop it! That is ridiculous! The world's best death bowler, and Advay treats him like a spinner!"

Next ball—back of a length, skidding onto the stumps.

Advay rocked back and pulled it flat over midwicket—FOUR!

Danny Morrison: "He's just dealing in boundaries now! MI looks clueless!"

At the other end, Devdutt Padikkal played a smart anchor role, rotating the strike while ensuring RCB didn't lose another wicket. Against Rahul Chahar, he worked singles into the gaps and played a couple of crisp cover drives for four.

At the 15-over mark, RCB stood at 162/2.

With five overs to go, Advay shifted gears once again.

In the 16th over, Kieron Pollard bowled a slower ball on off stump. Advay waited, waited, and then exploded—inside-out over extra cover, into the second tier!

Ian Bishop: "That is monstrous! He is in a different league tonight!"

Next ball—short-pitched delivery.

Advay swiveled and pulled it one-handed over square leg—SIX more!

Pollard looked helpless. MI's plans were crumbling.

In the 18th over, Trent Boult steamed in, trying to mix up his pace.

First ball—wide yorker. Advay opened the face of the bat and squeezed it past short third man—FOUR!

Next ball—full on the pads. Advay whipped it over deep midwicket—SIX!

At 19 overs, RCB was at 200/2.

The final over belonged to Advay.

First ball—Bumrah went for the yorker but missed by inches. Advay cleared his front leg and launched it over long-on—SIX!

Final ball—Bumrah fired in a toe-crushing yorker. Advay dug it out, but the ball raced past point—FOUR!

RCB finished with 213/2 in 20 overs.

Advay Rai - 134 (67)*

Devdutt Padikkal - 42 (36)*

Sunil Gavaskar: "What an innings! This is pure domination! Advay Rai—an absolute masterclass!"

RCB had set a mountain of a target, and Mumbai Indians looked completely stunned.

Mumbai Indians had a daunting chase ahead—214 runs to win. But with their batting firepower, they weren't going down without a fight.

Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock walked in with intent, knowing they needed a big powerplay. Navdeep Saini started strong, keeping it tight in the first over. But in the second over, Rohit took charge.

Against Umesh Yadav, first ball—full outside off, Rohit leaned in and caressed it past cover for four.

Next ball—short, rising into the body. Rohit hooked it over fine leg—SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "That's Hitman at his best! Mumbai are up and running!"

At the other end, de Kock targeted Yuzvendra Chahal. He stepped down the track in the fourth over and launched him straight down the ground—SIX!

By the end of the Powerplay (6 overs), MI was 67/0, and RCB needed a breakthrough.

Virat turned to Advay Rai. First ball—short of a length, angling in. De Kock went for the pull but mishit it completely. The ball ballooned straight up, and AB de Villiers took a simple catch behind the stumps!

MI 68/1 in 6.1 overs.

Ian Bishop: "Advay Rai strikes! RCB needed this, and they get the big wicket of de Kock!"

But Mumbai kept coming. Suryakumar Yadav joined Rohit, and the duo kept the scoreboard ticking.

At the 10-over mark, MI was 108/1, needing 106 off 60 balls.

Advay returned for his second spell in the 12th over, knowing another wicket could shift the momentum.

First ball—flighted delivery outside off. Rohit danced down the track, looking for a big hit, but missed completely!

STUMPED! AB de Villiers whipped off the bails in a flash!

MI 121/2 in 11.1 overs.

Danny Morrison: "Oh, that is BRILLIANT from AB! And Advay Rai gets his second! The tide is turning!"

With Rohit gone, RCB tightened their grip. Hardik Pandya tried to counter-attack, smashing two sixes off Chahal, but MI kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

At the 15-over mark, MI was 157/4, needing 57 off 30 balls.

Ishan Kishan and Kieron Pollard were at the crease, and they almost pulled off a miracle.

In the 18th over, Kishan took on Saini, smashing two consecutive sixes over midwicket, bringing MI back into the game.

Last over—19 needed off 6 balls.

Navdeep Saini had the ball.

First ball – SIX! Pollard smashed a slower ball over long-on!Second ball – FOUR! Full-toss, flicked past square leg!Third ball – DOT! A perfect yorker, no run!Fourth ball – SIX! Pollard cleared extra cover!

3 runs needed off 2 balls.

Fifth ball – WICKET! Pollard mistimed a slower ball, caught at long-off!

3 needed off 1.

Final ball – Saini to Kishan. Full, on the pads—Kishan flicked it hard, but straight to deep square leg!

RCB WON BY 2 RUNS!

Final Score:

RCB: 213/2 (20 overs)MI: 211/6 (20 overs)

Sunil Gavaskar: "What. A. Game! This is IPL at its absolute best!"

The RCB players erupted in celebration, while MI's dugout sat in stunned silence.

Advay, who had smashed 134 and taken 2 wickets*, stood calm as ever. Another match, another match-winning performance.

As the post-match ceremony began, Advay Rai stood at the presentation area, Man of the Match medal around his neck, as Harsha Bhogle welcomed him with his signature smile.

Harsha Bhogle: "Advay Rai, 134* off 67 balls, two crucial wickets, and a last-over thriller—quite a night for you!"

Advay smirked, adjusting his cap. "Yeah, it was a good game. Closer than we wanted, but glad we got the win."

Harsha: "Let's talk about that batting. You came out aggressive and just never stopped. Were you targeting any specific bowlers?"

Advay shrugged. "Not really. Just reacting to the ball. If it was there to hit, I hit it."

Harsha (laughing): "Simple as that, huh? Well, it looked incredible from up here. And then, with the ball, you got the breakthroughs of de Kock and Rohit Sharma. Was that part of the plan?"

Advay nodded. "Yeah, we knew they were the big threats. Just tried to mix up my pace, keep them guessing. And with AB behind the stumps, you always have a chance."

Harsha: "And finally, last over—MI needed three off one. What was going through your mind?"

Advay smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Honestly? Just hoping the ball found a fielder."

The crowd, players, and even Harsha chuckled at the calmness.

Harsha: "Well, you did more than that. A fantastic performance tonight, and I'm sure RCB fans are dreaming big this season. Congratulations, Advay, on yet another match-winning effort!"

Advay gave a small nod, shook Harsha's hand, and walked off toward his teammates—another night, another match won, another statement made.

As the players cooled down after the intense match, the RCB and MI squads gathered near the boundary, exchanging handshakes and casual conversations.

Advay walked up to Rohit Sharma, who smirked, shaking his head. "Man, you really don't take it easy, do you?"

Advay chuckled. "Wouldn't be fun if I did."

Rohit sighed dramatically. "134*, two wickets, and still acting like it's just another game."

Advay smirked. "You almost got us, though. Kishan and Pollard nearly pulled off a heist."

Rohit nodded. "Yeah, they did well, but you guys held your nerve. Last-over thrillers like these... brutal when you're on the losing side."

Advay shrugged. "Good for the fans, though."

Rohit laughed. "Yeah, yeah. Let me guess—you're already thinking about the next match?"

Advay's smirk widened. "Always."

Rohit patted his shoulder. "Keep this up, and I might have to stop watching your highlights."

They both chuckled, before walking toward their respective teams—competitors on the field, but mutual respect off it.

Back in his hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, Advay Rai lay on his bed, phone in hand, scrolling through Twitter and Instagram. The notifications were endless—mentions, memes, and reactions flooding his timeline.

@RCBForever: "134* (67) + 2 wickets = ADVAY RAI MASTERCLASS! 😭🔥 LEGEND IN THE MAKING! #RCBvsMI"

@OfficialIPL: "Man of the Match? No doubt about it. Advay Rai, take a bow! 👏👏"

A meme caught his attention—a split-screen image of him batting and then bowling, with the caption:

"Why even have an opposition? Just give Advay both innings and be done with it."

He smirked, shaking his head.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Ananya.

Ananya: "Mr. Superstar. Enjoying the attention?"

Advay: "It's alright."

Ananya: "Trending worldwide. Again. No big deal, right?"

After scrolling through the endless fan reactions, Advay Rai put his phone down for a moment. But before he could even think about sleeping, he tapped on Ananya's contact and hit video call.

It rang twice before she picked up. She was curled up in bed, her hair slightly messy, wearing her usual oversized sweatshirt.

"You're late," she muttered, rubbing her eyes.

Advay smirked. "Didn't know we had a schedule."

She rolled her eyes. "After every match, I expect a call. It's a routine now."

He leaned back against the headboard. "Fair enough."

She stared at him for a second. "So, Mr. Man of the Match, how does it feel to be the Internet's favorite cricketer?"

Advay shrugged. "Nothing new."

Ananya scoffed. "Unbelievable. You're actually impossible."

He chuckled. "You're still here, though."

She narrowed her eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. Tell me how the match actually felt. Not the press conference answer."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "It was… intense. The last over, those sixes from Pollard—I thought it was slipping away. But we held on."

She nodded, watching him. "And you? 134* and two wickets? You know that's insane, right?"

He smirked. "Not bad."

She sighed, shaking her head. "One day, I'll get a normal answer from you."

He grinned but said nothing. The silence between them was comfortable—familiar.

"Sleep, Rai," she finally said. "You have another match to win soon."

"Yeah," he murmured. "Good night, Ananya."

"Good night, Superstar."

She ended the call, and Advay set his phone down, staring at the ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes.

At the team dinner the next day, the atmosphere was light, the tension from the previous night's thriller replaced by laughter and casual conversations.

Advay sat across from Devdutt Padikkal, who was twirling his fork absentmindedly.

"You played the anchor role well yesterday," Advay said, taking a sip of his drink.

Padikkal chuckled. "Not like I had a choice. Someone had to stay back while you went berserk."

Advay smirked. "Worked out, didn't it?"

Padikkal shook his head. "134*, hitting Bumrah and Boult like they were club bowlers… You know that's not normal, right?"

Advay shrugged. "It's just cricket."

Padikkal sighed. "If I ever say 'it's just cricket' after scoring 134*, slap me."

Advay chuckled. "Noted."

Nearby, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were deep in discussion, while Chahal was busy annoying Chris Morris with one of his spoon interviews. The team was in good spirits—and why wouldn't they be? Three matches in, three wins.

As the team laughed and ate, Yuzvendra Chahal suddenly stood up, spoon in hand, raising it like a microphone.

"Alright, listen up! This is Chahal TV—IPL Champion Special!" he announced dramatically.

The players chuckled, some rolling their eyes, while Virat smirked. "This should be good."

Chahal grinned. "Today's question—What is the one special thing you will do if we win the IPL?"

Excited murmurs spread across the table. Winning the IPL had always been RCB's ultimate dream.

Chahal turned first to Virat Kohli, shoving the spoon toward him.

Virat smirked. "I'll get a tattoo of the IPL trophy. Been waiting too long for this one."

The team cheered, some clapping.

Next, Chahal moved to AB de Villiers.

AB chuckled. "I'll sing a song on live TV. No backing out."

The table erupted in laughter, while Dale Steyn called out, "We're holding you to that!"

Chahal turned to Chris Morris, who grinned. "I'll throw the biggest party in South Africa. Everyone's invited. No limits!"

"Bas! I'm coming!" Chahal declared, making the table chuckle.

Devdutt Padikkal was next. "I'll shave my head completely. No second thoughts."

The table roared, with Kohli shaking his head. "You better be serious, Padikkal."

"I swear," Padikkal grinned. "Mark my words."

Washington Sundar leaned in. "I'll donate half my IPL winnings to a charity for underprivileged kids."

The table paused for a second, nodding in respect, before breaking into applause.

Chahal moved down the line—Dale Steyn vowed to do a full lap around Chinnaswamy barefoot, Parthiv Patel said he'd dance on Instagram Live, and Shivam Dube promised to skydive wearing an RCB jersey.

Finally, Chahal spun around, grinning mischievously.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've been waiting for! Advay Rai, what will you do if RCB wins the IPL?"

The table fell silent, all eyes on him.

The entire table fell silent, all eyes on Advay Rai.

He leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed by the attention. "Alright, I'll raise the stakes."

Chahal tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? What's bigger than a tattoo or a shaved head?"

Advay smirked, tapping his fingers on the table. "If we win the IPL, I'll propose to Ananya. Same day. On the spot. Live on TV."

For a moment, there was complete silence.

Then—absolute chaos.

Virat Kohli's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"

AB de Villiers burst out laughing. "Oh, this is legendary!"

Chahal dropped the spoon. "Arre bhai, yeh toh next level ho gaya!" (Bro, this just went to another level!)

Padikkal shook his head, grinning. "That's a wild bet, man."

Chris Morris whistled. "No backing out now, Superstar."

Advay, as always, looked completely calm. "I don't plan to."

Chahal grabbed his spoon again, pointing it at the camera in an exaggerated manner. "Breaking news! If RCB wins, Advay Rai goes from 'King of Cricket' to 'King of Romance'—live on TV!"

The team roared with excitement, some clapping, others shaking their heads in disbelief.

The stakes had never been higher. Winning the IPL wasn't just about the trophy anymore.

the match against csk,

The match began with RCB's pacers trying to keep things tight, but Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis had other plans.

In the second over, Watson took on Navdeep Saini, stepping down the track and smashing a blistering straight drive for four.

Next ball—short and into the body. Watson rocked back and pulled it flat over midwicket—SIX!

Danny Morrison: "OHH, WATTO! He's rolling back the years!"

By the end of the Powerplay (6 overs), CSK was 64/0, already setting a strong platform.

Virat brought on Advay Rai in the 7th over, hoping to break the momentum.

First ball—flighted outside off. Faf stepped out, got to the pitch, and lofted it over extra cover—FOUR!

Next ball—slower through the air. Faf slogged it high over long-on—SIX!

Advay exhaled, adjusting his wristband. He wasn't used to being hit like this.

But in the 9th over, he struck back.

A well-disguised slower ball, dipping just as Watson looked to launch it. He mistimed it, sending the ball straight to Devdutt Padikkal at long-off!

Harsha Bhogle: "Advay Rai gets his revenge! He was under pressure, but he's broken this dangerous opening stand!"

CSK 98/1 in 8.4 overs.

However, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni kept the scoreboard ticking.

By the 15-over mark, CSK was 157/2, setting up for a big finish.

Advay came back for his final over in the 17th, but Rayudu was in full flow.

First ball—back of a length, outside off. Rayudu cut it past point—FOUR!

Next ball—fuller on the stumps. Rayudu whipped it over deep midwicket—SIX!

Ian Bishop: "CSK is not holding back! They are taking even Advay apart today!"

The final overs saw MS Dhoni unleashing his trademark power-hitting.

In the 19th over, Dhoni smashed Navdeep Saini for two monstrous sixes, sending the CSK dugout into celebrations.

By the end of 20 overs, CSK had posted 212/4—a daunting total.

Advay finished with 1/43 in 4 overs—not his best day, but RCB now had a mountain to climb.

As Advay Rai and Virat Kohli walked to the middle under the Dubai night sky, the tension was electric. 213 to chase. A massive target, but RCB had the firepower.

At the top of his mark, Deepak Chahar held the new ball, eyes locked on Virat.

First ball – full on middle. Virat stepped forward, leaned in, and drilled it past mid-off for FOUR!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that is just pure class from Virat Kohli! The RCB captain wastes no time!"

In the next over, Sam Curran ran in, targeting Advay. First ball—short and angling in.

Advay read it early, pulled it hard over deep square leg—SIX! The sound off the bat echoed through the empty stadium.

Danny Morrison: "Oh-ho, this man is dangerous! Advay Rai is off the mark in the grandest fashion!"

CSK's bowlers tried to adjust, but nothing worked.

In the fourth over, Shardul Thakur bowled a full delivery outside off. Advay leaned in and carved it past backward point—FOUR!

Next ball—a slower one on middle. Advay stepped out and hammered it over long-on—SIX!

Ian Bishop: "Oh, this is ridiculous! The power, the timing—Advay Rai is making a statement tonight!"

Meanwhile, Virat was playing his classic, elegant strokes.

Against Sam Curran in the 6th over, he played a wristy flick through midwicket for four, then stepped down the track next ball and lifted him over covers for SIX!

By the end of the Powerplay (6 overs), RCB was 82/0.

But they weren't slowing down.

In the 8th over, Ravindra Jadeja was introduced. His first ball—Advay danced down the track and launched him over extra cover—SIX!

Harsha Bhogle: "Oh, that is majestic! Advay Rai is toying with the CSK attack!"

Virat followed suit. Against Shardul Thakur in the 9th over, he stepped across and whipped him behind square for four, then played a delicate late cut to third man—FOUR more!

By the 10-over mark, RCB was 121/0, well ahead of the required rate.

CSK desperately needed a breakthrough.

As the second half of the chase began, RCB looked in complete control. Advay Rai and Virat Kohli were timing the ball beautifully, dismantling CSK's bowling attack.

In the 11th over, Virat flicked a full delivery from Sam Curran past square leg for four, bringing up his half-century in 32 balls.

Next over, Advay got to his own fifty—a brutal pull shot over midwicket off Shardul Thakur that sailed for six.

Harsha Bhogle: "Another fifty for Advay Rai! This man is unstoppable tonight!"

At 15 overs, RCB stood at 175/0, needing just 38 off 30 balls. It looked like a cruise to victory—until CSK finally struck.

THE BREAKTHROUGH – ADVAY FALLS

In the 16th over, Deepak Chahar bowled a well-disguised slower ball outside off. Advay, trying to finish it quickly, went for an inside-out lofted shot—but mishit it straight to long-off!

OUT for 79 (44 balls).

Danny Morrison: "Oh, he's gone! Finally, CSK gets the big fish, but has the damage already been done?"

RCB still had Virat at the crease, but in the next over, disaster struck again.

THE CAPTAIN DEPARTS

Virat tried to take on Jadeja, stepping down the track for a big shot—but he misjudged the dip, and the ball crashed into the stumps!

OUT for 73 (39 balls).

Ian Bishop: "BOWLED HIM! Virat Kohli departs, and suddenly, CSK have a glimmer of hope!"

With two new batters at the crease, the match suddenly became tense.

AB de Villiers and Shivam Dube took charge, ensuring no further collapse.

At 19 overs, RCB was 209/4, needing just 4 off 6 balls.

First ball of the final over, Dube calmly nudged it for two.

Next ball—a lofted drive over mid-off for FOUR!

RCB WINS BY 6 WICKETS!

Final Score: RCB 216/4 in 19.2 overs.

Harsha Bhogle: "RCB does it again! What a chase, what a match! Virat and Advay set it up, and the middle order finished it off!"

RCB had pulled off a record chase, taking down CSK in style.

After the match, players from CSK and RCB gathered near the boundary, shaking hands and sharing a few words.

Advay walked over to Faf du Plessis, who grinned. "Man, you were smashing everything today. Did you even see the fielders?"

Advay smirked. "Didn't need to."

Faf chuckled, shaking his head. "You make it look too easy. Next time, let us bowlers breathe a little."

Just then, MS Dhoni walked up, giving Advay a pat on the back. "Well played, champ."

Advay smiled. "Shukriya, Bhaiya. But you made us sweat with that total."

Dhoni nodded. "That was the plan. You just executed yours better."

Advay glanced at Faf. "Any suggestions for how to get Bhaiya out when we bowl next?"

Faf laughed, but Dhoni smirked. "That's the thing about experience—you never know what's coming next."

Advay chuckled. "We'll see, Bhaiya."

They shared a handshake, a moment of respect between competitors on the field, but family off it.

On October 12, 2020, at Sharjah, RCB played their seventh match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and secured a dominant win. Advay Rai scored a century, continuing his incredible form.

On October 17, 2020, at Dubai, RCB played their eighth match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and won again. Advay scored another hundred, making it back-to-back centuries.

On October 21, 2020, at Sharjah, RCB faced Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in their ninth match but suffered a defeat.

On October 25, 2020, at Dubai, RCB bounced back in their tenth match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), securing a win. Advay once again smashed a century, his third of the season.

Now, with momentum on their side, the RCB squad was having a team dinner before their upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians. The atmosphere was relaxed, but everyone knew—the biggest games were still ahead.

As the team enjoyed their dinner, Yuzvendra Chahal suddenly stood up, spoon in hand, grinning mischievously.

"Alright, boys! Chahal TV is back! But today, I have just one question—do you all remember the stakes for the final?"

The table erupted in laughter, with some shaking their heads. Virat smirked. "Here we go again."

Chahal pointed the spoon dramatically. "Look, the way we're playing, we are winning the IPL this year. And when we do—some people here have made some very big promises!"

He turned to Devdutt Padikkal first. "Bhai, you're still shaving your head, right?"

Padikkal sighed, running a hand through his hair. "A deal's a deal. But I'm already regretting it."

The team burst into laughter, with AB de Villiers shaking his head. "I'd pay to see that."

Chahal grinned, turning to Virat. "And you? The tattoo? No backing out!"

Virat smirked. "If we lift the trophy, I'll be in the tattoo parlor the next morning."

Now, the entire table turned to one person—Advay Rai.

Chahal held the spoon like a mic. "And finally… the biggest one of them all. Advay bhai, I hope you haven't forgotten your promise?"

The team fell silent, waiting for his response.

The room fell silent, all eyes locked onto Advay Rai. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

Chahal grinned, waving the spoon like a mic. "Arre, don't go all serious on us now. Bol na, bhai!"

Advay exhaled, glancing around the table. "You know what…" He paused for effect.

"I'm quite afraid."

The entire table erupted in shock.

Virat Kohli raised an eyebrow. "Wait… you're afraid?"

AB de Villiers laughed. "Now, this I've got to hear."

Chahal stared at him dramatically. "Bhai, you're smashing centuries for fun, taking wickets, winning matches single-handedly—and now you're scared? Of what?!"

Advay smirked, tapping his fingers on the table. "That I'll actually have to propose on live TV."

The team exploded into laughter, some clapping, others shaking their heads.

Chris Morris whistled. "Ohhh, so it's getting real now!"

Padikkal grinned. "No backing out, bro. We're all witnesses."

Chahal jumped on a chair, spoon raised. "BREAKING NEWS! Superstar Advay Rai—finally nervous!"

Advay rolled his eyes but smirked. "Enjoy the jokes while they last. We still have a trophy to win first."

Virat clapped a hand on his shoulder. "And when we do, we'll all be in the front row to watch you keep your word."

The table roared with excitement—because deep down, they all knew.

This season was different.