LBW - Love Before Wicket

LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 1

Disclaimer: All characters in this story are fictitious; they neither resemble anyone living or dead.


LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 1

M.B.A.Chidhambaram Stadium, Chennai.... 27th April 2009..... 8:30 PM

India vs Pakistan... 5th ODI

Hi All, I'm Imraan Khan. Don't get carried away by my name, I'm not in anyway like the legendary Pakistani world-cup-winning-captain.
But, as any other young mind in India, I too had the ambition of donning the Light Blue cap & appearing for India in an International encounter.

And my dream has come true in a miraculous manner that one can’t even think of. Yes, my debut is against Pakistan today, whom every Indian cricketer would like to prove their point against and that too in my home ground, the most beautiful, Chennai stadium. Well, for those thought the miracle ends here, the list goes on: this is the last ODI of the 5-match series and the series stands leveled so far at 2 - 2, what a situation to make your entry in the scene.

For those who have not watched the match so far, the scorecard reads as below:
Pakistan has scored 289/6 in their quota of 50 overs. I took 2 wickets giving away 42 runs in 6 overs, bit expensive I felt, but my team mates encouraged me so much.
And now we are almost halfway stage in the run chase: Need further 150 runs in 26 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Our star batsman Ravi Khanna is at the crease, so we are very confident at the moment.

He was the pioneer in the 4th ODI run chase where he almost took us home. Chasing 312 under lights, against this quality bowling attack, is no joke. But we lost the match by a slender margin of 1 run. An edge-of-the-seat thriller it was. Went way down to the wire till the last over, where we needed 12 runs from it. Ravi was the batsman at the crease and he smacked 2 boundaries off the first 3 balls, making the equation 4 more required from 3. But that was it. 2 more dot balls and Ravi could just find the gap on the last ball and they managed only 2 runs.

We lost by a run. The dressing room was very quiet and somber that day. Ravi almost burst into tears & we all couldn’t control our emotions. Though I was the twelfth man, I could not hide my frustrations and the agony. Had we won it, we would have pocketed the series then itself and this match would have been a dead rubber.

But now, we are determined to win this match and from Ravi's expression, I could find his hunger for runs and the memories of the last match would definitely be in his minds.

Everyone is enjoying his innings from Pavilion stands. Cheering for every run & dancing for every big hit. The festive atmosphere is very much visible in our camp.

But not for me. I'm watching all the action on TV in the dressing room alone. Despite all the miracles and the special occasion, I can’t forget this day in life for one more reason.

I have killed my captain.

Yes, you heard it right.
He is lying on the floor next to me. After a petty argument, I slapped him, though not intentionally, but out of instinct.

I could still see white coloured froth oozing from the corner of his mouth.

I'm feeling too guilty.


<<<STUMPS DAY 1>>>


LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 2

For those who think I'm trying to play a belated April fool's joke, well... I'm not.
The captain, Sameer Gupta, who brought me into the squad for this series and selected me in the Playing Eleven today, is lying next to me, helplessly.
But I had always liked him. He was my mentor, my role model and in fact, my God in cricket. I had watched all his matches and had cheered him for every four and cried everytime he got out.

I still remember the day when I was announced to be a part of the Pakistan home series - the local newspaper said "New Kid on the blocks for the High Pressure series, Captain confident of the team". I was thrilled about making my debut but more than that, I was so ecstatic about sharing the dressing room with a genius like Sameer. My feet never touched the ground for 2 days and who would be normal if they realize their dream in this fashion.

But a short conversation got extended into an argument and slowly a debate and ended with a bang. I tell you, I did not mean to hit him or offend him. It’s easy to say to be cool, but one can’t control instinct that easily. Just one slap, THUD!! and like a slow motion scene, he unconsciously fell on the floor. Even I could not believe I possess so much power.

As the crowd was cheering their every bit for us, I burst into tears.
The scoreline read 136 required from 24 overs. Still 5 wickets intact. And most importantly, Ravi at the crease on 76.

Not only guilty for killing someone, but he would otherwise be the next batsman to bat. I have done injustice to my country by "taking one wicket of our team" - like hitting a self-goal. So I decided something very fast.

I immediately opened my kit and took the brand-new tape-recorder, which was gifted by my college mate. But I never knew it would be used in this kind of a situation.

I just mumbled few words... "I'm sorry Sameer.. I'm sorry India.. I'm sorry my team.. I'm sorry my parents.. Insha Allah, I know I will be jailed... But please spare me till end of this match.. Atleast I will make amends by winning our team the trophy... As Sameer would have liked... His goal... " Words were hard to come by... I was shivering... "Your Goal Sameer Bhai......" Again tears flowed like the Niagara falls.

Suddenly, there was a pin-drop silence in the stadium, which was electric until now.
Yes, a wicket had gone. Salve who was involved in a crucial partnership with Ravi, is now out for a poor shot.

I came to my senses; padded up very fast. I was the next in the batting line-up after Sameer. So I took my gloves and rushed out of the room.

When I walked down the stairs, no one could believe their eyes. It was quite surprising as they were waiting for their captain to come in such crunch situation.

I went on to the field for a purpose.

For a mission.


<<<STUMPS DAY 2>>>


LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 3

When I walked down the steps, a slight tension and nervousness occupied me. But I knew I had to accomplish the "mission" at any cost.

I reached the boundary line & I could see the beautiful green fields awaiting me. The ground was full of players in "Green" except for Ravi.
When I moved on slowly, my eyes were fixed upon a particular row in the stands. I was searching for her.

There she stood, with a Bright Yellow T-shirt and a Sky-Blue Jean, waving the India flag with all passion. When she saw me, she immediately started waving her hands at me and started jumping. She was the only consoling factor in my life at the moment.

I met Neetu 2 months earlier, exactly at the same venue when I was playing for the Tamil Nadu XI against the touring Pakistani Side in a warm-up match. And on the same day my name was announced as a part of the National side. So I could not forget that double delight day in my life.

After the day's play, she came running into me and asked for an autograph, as if I was some renowned cricketer. Even I was a bit surprised. But slowly I could see her real passion for the game and I learnt that she had been my fan since I started playing cricket for my state.

Slowly we started meeting frequently and I started having sleepless nights. Yes, I too fell into the well of love. She became an integral part of my life.

She used to bring drinks for me daily and give it before the net practice session. And after the end of day's play, we used to roam. Sometimes she even used to give me drinks to distribute for the whole team. Even today morning, she had given juice for me and Sameer. I loved her passion for cricket.

I was ready to do anything for her. In fact, I missed out the Team Training session on the morning of the 4th One-Dayer, just for her. How would I ever miss out on her birthday! Indeed my debut got extended to the 5th match because of her. But I don't regret it, though I got a severe bashing from Sameer for my carelessness and unprofessional attitude. She is my life and now cricket has become a second option to me.

As those days came to my mind, the reality appeared in front of me.

Still needing 122 runs from 130 balls.

I inspected the pitch for few seconds and took my guard. Ravi who was standing at the Bowler's end came to me and told few tips. He asked me to bat slowly and not go for any big shots at the moment. He told to keep my wicket intact. What a blessing in disguise for me, to have a player of Ravi's caliber at the other end.

Still 4 more balls to go in the over. I prayed God I should not lose my wicket.

The medium pacer Rasheed started running from Monte Carlo End.
The first ball in my career.
It was pitched short in length and was bowled Middle and leg.

And in an instinct, I pulled it fiercefully.
I really did not know what made me do so.

In a split second, I could see the ball travelling high in the air.
Umpire raised his hands and it was a SIX !!

What a start to my career. The whole Chennai crowd was behind me now. Everyone was cheering and chanting my name as loudly as they can.

I got ready for my second ball.
Bowler running in with as much grudge.
This time, a fuller one, on the off side.
Cover Drive for Four.
Crowd erupted even more ferociously.

Ravi came to me. He asked me to be calm and patient. Though I said they were loose balls and were asking to be hit, he still instructed me only to take singles and not go for big ones.

Third ball of the over.
Rasheed fully charged up.
A good length delivery on the off-side, I hit it into the gaps and started running fast.
I ran my first one very hard and as the fielder was fumbling, I called Ravi for two and continued with even more pace.

"Wait......." was the shout from Ravi.
But it was an easy 2. No where it was risky. And I was half way in the pitch. So I pushed him for the two.

Ravi was hesitant at first, and then started running towards the bowler end.
I reached the crease comfortably and when I looked back, I could not believe my eyes.

Direct Hit from Mansoor, the best of the pakistani fielders and Ravi was OUT.

Yes, I had committed another crime in my life, this was even bigger.


<<<STUMPS DAY 3>>>


LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 4

I could see the anger and disappointment in Ravi's face. Not only Ravi, the whole crowd is stunned after this terrible mix-up.
The same crowd, who were chanting my name a few minutes before, was booing me.
I was trembling like never before. What a terrible day I'm facing ! Everything seems to go against me now.

I went up to him and said sorry, but he was not there to listen. He just turned away and quickly ran through to the pavilion. How happy he would have been, if he scored a century and taken India to a win comfortably. I spoilt his day.

What’s happened is happened and nothing can be done now. With the next batsman walking in, my job is to just try and build a decent partnership before going for the kill.
Vikram is my new partner. He is a tear-away fast bowler and was instrumental in the win in 1st ODI with a 5-wicket-haul. But now the team needs his batting skills. As far as I know, his highest score in ODI so far is 17 not out, that too 2 years before.

I went upto the new man and asked him to be calm and just play singles. He just nodded his head and gave me some confidence. Then after making both our bats kiss each other, I returned to the batting crease with a daunting task ahead of me.

Rasheed again, for the last time in this over.
With the whole crowd booing me, the Pakistan camp was really pumped up.
Ball is pitched in the corridors around off-stump, I left it alone to the keeper.

End of the over. I took this time to look for some consolation. I looked onto the stands at Neetu. But she was not looking at me, but was in a phone call. After few seconds' gaze there, I just went to Vikram, wished him and returned to my crease.

Few more intense minutes passed by....

With the help of Lots of dots balls, many Singles and two's and a couple of boundaries, we achieved our 50 partnership. Though Vikram contributed only 18 runs, it was very crucial in this juncture.
Now the situation looks even more tensed, 61 more required off 10 overs. Almost a run-a-ball at the stage. Most importantly, only 3 wickets left (as per my calculation, only 2 left).

We batted with more purpose, took our chances whenever a loose ball was bowled and slowly reduced the equation to 33 from 4 overs.

Now its Mansoor bowling the 47th Over.

First ball I took a big heave, could not connect properly, so just a single taken.
Next two were yorkers to Vikram, no runs coming off them and slowly pressure was building on us.

Fourth ball of the over, this time Vikram has come down the track and lofted the ball straight into the fence for a SIX !! What a time to score ! I was more relieved than happy. Still 26 needed from 20 balls.

Fifth ball - Full toss, Thank god, says Vikram and pulls it. But has he cleared the fence.

No.... The ball travels very fast and lands safely in the fielder's hands. 8th Wicket gone. Well done Vikram, anyone would say. But I could not hide my shock and disbelief.

When the ball was in the air, we crossed over and now I face the last ball of this over. Pankaj at the other end.

Its again a yorker. Man, how does he bowl yorkers at such a consistency. It got an inside edge and was going in the direction of left of the keeper.

But I wanted to keep strike, so called Pankaj for a risky single. He first hesitated for a moment, then started running.

My adrenaline was pumping at its peak.
Before I could reach my end, Pankaj was RUN OUT by the little keeper.

All my hopes are vanished.

India has lost the ODI. I lost the game for my team.

I hung my head and fell on the ground.
I was all alone, crying on the field.

Suddenly a big roar from the crowd. Is Pankaj not out? Has he reached the crease? I turned around to see what has happened.


<<<STUMPS DAY 4>>>


LBW - Love Before Wicket - Day 5

The crowd was at its roaring best. I had never seen them so alighted before.
But am I dreaming?

Pankaj was indeed Run Out at the other end, but why are they shouting at the pitch of their voice.

I turned to Neetu.
What am I watching here? She's waving Pakistan flag seriously. I cant believe my eyes. I rubbed my eyes and again watched her with disbelief, but what I'm watching is real. She has betrayed me.

But more than this surprise, there was another shock waiting for me.

Sameer walked into the stadium with his usual calmness and bravery.
It was almost like a miracle. I was about to be fainted, but the Chennai Crowd is using every bit of their energy to support their captain, My captain.

A drop of tears rolled down my cheeks and I greeted him with a very tight hug. I had not even hugged Neetu before this.
But this person is special. He has come on a re-birth.

The first word I told to him was sorry. But he just neglected that and thanked me.
I was really puzzled.

The Pakistani players were having their drinks and discussing their strategy. We both took time to discuss what happened.

The things which he said made me tremble.

"Sameer Bhai, I'm really sorry. I slapped you. Caused lots of confusions on the field, ran out Ravi. I'm a sinner. Punish me. Please......"

"Hey c'mon Immy, you are the real Hero today. You won’t believe what I say. But hear patiently.
I was not affected by your slap anyway, but in fact, you saved my life. "

"What................??" I gasped for breath.

"Yes dude, I'm returning from hospital straight away. Doctor said the juice which I had today afternoon had been poisoned. And coz of your slap, a big blow really, spilled the effect of the poison." he calmly replied.

"I can’t believe it.. the juice.. the juice.. it was given to me by Neetu... it can’t" I stammered. But my mind voice slowly began to say "it can" after I saw her waving the pakistani flag. I had indeed seen the froth in his mouth, how foolish of me to ignore it. I scolded myself.

"You are right Immy. She is the culprit. Just now I learnt it." Sameer replied and took a small black object from his pocket.
It is my Tape Recorder. Had he heard it?
Before I could ask him, he interrupted "You kiddo, confessing through the tape huh. But you did a great job. You forgot to switch it off, which saved the day for us."

Yes, the scene ran in my mind. Before I completed my confession, a wicket had gone and so I rushed out without switching it off. So what...? Why he's linking it here.

I switched it on and heard it.

"I'm sorry Sameer.. I'm sorry India.. I'm sorry my team.. I'm sorry my parents.. Insha Allah, I know I will be jailed... But please spare me till end of this match.. Atleast I will make amends by winning our team the trophy... As Sameer would have liked... His goal...".....

A big pause there. But Sameer asked me to continue.
Then I heard a big thud. Then a voice. A voice I recognize so vividly.

"You Neetu. your man is useless. All our plans are broken by this idiot. He ran me out. If India wins this match, how will I answer Bhaai. How much he praised me after I lost the last match you know. Now all the efforts going in vain. If we lose the series that’s all... ". Ravi is the black sheep in our team. Neetu was his companion. Now I realized how she kept me out of the 4th ODI by making me miss the training. How Ravi lost match in last over by a run. Why he asked me to bat slow. Whom she was speaking to during that over-break. Everything was fitting perfectly....

I was standing emotionless in the stadium. Though the scene was electric, it was pin-drop silence for me.

But my thoughts were again interrupted by Sameer. "You are the Hero Imraan. You saved my life. You saved our country from these match-fixing rascals by running out Ravi. And you have batted bravely to have brought us to this level. You are the Hero."

My whole body shook. It’s a scintillating experience to hear this statement.
With the voice trembling I muttered "What should I do now Sameer Bhai".

"Just be at the crease and win the match for us" said the brave captain. How the hell I slapped him? I looked at the hands which did the sin. But now it has got a bigger duty. I took the bat in it and swirled it. Hugged him again. And walked down the crease to face the 48th Over.

........
.......
......
.....

28th April 2009... 8.30 AM....

I am sitting in the balcony in my house. Browsing through the newspaper and sipping my coffee.
The headlines read

"India wins the Edge-of-the-seat-Thriller by One Wicket; Clinch series 3 - 2.
Brave captain and young hero take them home; Significant knock by Ravi"

Below that another news read: "Indian squad for Australian home series announced; Imraan gets a nod; ravi dropped under mysterious circumstances".

I smiled at the news and took my phone to call Sameer.

----- THE END -----

A Story by Srinivasan....