Trials Day: Mohalla King vs. System

The sun rose like a spotlight over K.D. Singh Babu Stadium, painting the outfield in golden streaks. Arjun Mishra stood at the entrance, kitbag slung over one shoulder, Sharma Sir's old leather ball tucked in his pocket like a lucky charm. His heart thumped, not with fear — but with that buzzing excitement only a street-bred player knows.

This wasn't Nawabganj vs. Gomti Gunners.

This was Arjun Mishra vs. The System.

The Trial Scene — Chaos and Check-in

The stadium's practice nets were a war zone. Hundreds of hopefuls — some from fancy academies, others like Arjun, carrying their entire dreams in one kitbag — jostled to register. Coaches, selectors, assistants — all scanning players like they were livestock at auction.

"Naam?"

"Form number?"

"Batting ya bowling?"

(Your name? Form number? Batter or bowler?)

Arjun handed over his form, scrawled in his usual messy handwriting. The official squinted.

"Arjun Mishra, Right Hand Bat, Right Arm Medium."

Then, without looking up — "Academy?"

Arjun grinned. "Nawabganj Cricket Association — Street Premier Division."

The guy didn't even react — just pointed him toward Net 4. Arjun stepped in, taking his first real breath.

Warm-up — New Faces, Old Vibes

Net 4 was packed. Players stretching, shadow practicing cover drives, nervously adjusting helmets like it was an exam hall. Some wore custom gear with academy logos; Arjun's jersey still had paan stains from Sharma Ji's tapri.

A tall kid with branded pads side-eyed him. "Gully cricket se seedha yahan tapak gaye?"

(Straight from street cricket to trials?)

Arjun cracked his knuckles. "Bhai, gully ka Sultan hoon. Stadium ka Raja banne aaye hain."

(Bro, I'm the Sultan of the streets. Came here to become King of the stadium.)

The kid smirked, but Arjun had already zoned him out. His game had never been about words. It was about impact.

The First Test — Fielding Drill

First up — catching and throwing drill. Selectors stood with clipboards, whispering to each other like cricket's version of reality show judges.

"Deep midwicket se direct stump hit kar ke dikhao."

(Throw from deep midwicket, hit the stumps directly.)

Some players overthought it — fancy techniques, exaggerated throws. Arjun? He picked up the ball, thought of every rubber ball throw he'd made off Nawabganj terraces, and launched it.

Middle stump rattled. First try.

One selector raised an eyebrow. Arjun just dusted his hands, like it was routine.

The Real Test — Batting Trial

Finally — the main event.

4 bowlers, each one representing different styles:

Academy spinner — all wrist work and flight.Pacer — clean action, serious speed.Left-arm angle master — tricky release point.Street wildcard — pure sling action chaos.

Arjun walked to the crease, cracking his neck, feeling the weight of Sharma Sir's ball still in his pocket. This pitch wasn't cracked concrete. This was real turf, with bounce, movement — and reputation on the line.

Ball 1 — The Spinner

Looping delivery outside off. Arjun didn't move his feet much — just leaned back and cut it late. Ball kissed the turf and rocketed to point boundary. No power. Just timing.

Selectors exchanged quick notes.

Ball 2 — The Pacer

Short and rising toward his chest. Arjun swayed back, ramped it over slip — street style uppercut.

One selector actually smiled.

Ball 3 — The Leftie

Full and swinging in. Arjun leaned forward, textbook cover drive — straight out of some coaching manual he never read.

Perfect timing. Coaches murmured.

Ball 4 — The Wildcard

Slingy low full toss — typical street-bowler gamble. Arjun stepped inside the line and flipped it over square leg for six.

Pure Nawabganj.

When his turn ended, one selector actually called out —

"Kid, kis academy se hai?"

(Which academy are you from?)

Arjun slung his bat over his shoulder.

"Sharma Sir Academy — fees sirf ek cheez ka hota hai."

(Sharma Sir Academy — the only fee is respect.)

Post Trial — The Wait

With trials over, players sat scattered across the stands, waiting for the first shortlist. Some prayed. Some paced. Arjun sat quietly, scrolling through his phone.

One message from Rhea popped up — "Tu macha ke aana. Exclusive interview fix hai."

(Go and crush it. Exclusive interview guaranteed.)

He smiled, but only for a second.

The Announcement

A junior coach walked out with a sheet of paper.

"Top 20 names — shortlisted for final round. These players will train for District Squad selection."

The first few names were familiar — sons of coaches, academy prodigies. Then —

"Arjun Mishra — Nawabganj."

Arjun exhaled, shoulders dropping just a little. Not relief — just the quiet confirmation of what he already knew.

He didn't belong here.

He belonged above here.

📊 Sania System Reminder:

"Mohalla King se District Champion tak — progress 96%."

Next stop — Final Trial Camp.