The second day of trials began with a surprise announcement. As the players gathered near the pavilion, Mr. Rajan stepped forward, clipboard in hand, flanked by two other selectors.
"Today's focus is leadership and adaptability," he said. "We'll be observing how you handle pressure—not just as individuals, but as teammates."
Coach Devraj added, "Each team will be assigned a captain. You'll be responsible for field placements, batting order, and on-field decisions. Choose wisely. Cricket isn't just played with skill—it's led with vision."
Nikhil stood among the crowd, heart steady. He hadn't expected to be chosen. He wasn't the loudest, the flashiest, or the most connected. But when Team Green was called, Mr. Rajan looked directly at him.
"Nikhil Srivastam. You're captain today."
A ripple of surprise passed through the group. Kabir raised an eyebrow. Aditya looked mildly annoyed. Rafiq grinned.
Nikhil nodded, stepped forward, and accepted the team sheet. Twelve names. Eleven egos. One goal.
The match was a 25-over simulation, with selectors watching every move. Team Green was batting first. Nikhil studied the lineup, then made his first decision—he would bat at number four, not three.
He turned to Aditya. "You open with Rafiq. Build a base. I'll anchor the middle."
Aditya frowned. "I usually bat at three."
"I know," Nikhil said. "But today, we need stability. Trust me."
Aditya hesitated, then nodded.
The match began. Rafiq and Aditya started cautiously, rotating strike, avoiding risks. By the tenth over, Team Green was 58 for no loss. Nikhil watched from the boundary, adjusting field placements, signaling encouragement.
Then Rafiq got out—caught behind trying to cut a wide delivery. Nikhil padded up and walked in.
The pitch was slow. The bowlers were mixing pace. Nikhil played smart—singles, twos, the occasional boundary. He communicated constantly, guiding Aditya, calming the younger boys.
By the 20th over, Team Green was 132 for 2. Nikhil had 36 runs. Aditya had 41.
Then came a moment of tension.
Aditya wanted to accelerate. "Let me go big," he said.
Nikhil shook his head. "Not yet. We need wickets in hand for the final push."
Aditya ignored him. Next ball, he charged down the track—missed. Stumped.
Nikhil didn't react. He just signaled the next batsman and kept the innings moving.
Team Green finished at 162 for 5. Nikhil remained unbeaten on 47 off 38 balls.
During the break, Mr. Rajan approached Coach Devraj. "He's calm. Tactical. Doesn't chase glory."
Devraj nodded. "He plays the game. Not the crowd."
In the second innings, Nikhil set the field meticulously—tight ring for the spinners, deep cover for the pacers. He rotated bowlers smartly, gave confidence to the nervous ones, and kept the energy high.
Kabir, batting for Team Blue, tried to dominate. He hit two sixes early, then mistimed a pull—caught at deep square leg.
Team Blue collapsed. Team Green won by 19 runs.
After the match, Mr. Rajan gathered the captains. "Leadership isn't about shouting. It's about clarity. Today, one boy showed that."
He looked at Nikhil. "Well done."
Nikhil nodded, expression neutral. Inside, his heart was racing.
That evening, he returned home to find his father sitting upright, sipping tea. "You look tired," his father said.
"I captained today," Nikhil replied.
His father smiled. "Then you led. Not just played."
Nikhil opened his notebook and wrote:
"Lesson: Leadership is service.
Fix: Balance instinct with strategy.
Goal: Be the player others trust.
Reminder: The game is bigger than me."
He looked at the sky outside.
Tomorrow was the final day of trials.