At sixteen, Arjun was invited to a televised inter-zonal invitational.
Not by selectors.
By a broadcaster who wanted "fresh faces."
Mahesh Kulkarni noticed immediately.
"This boy again?" he muttered.
But television had rules selectors didn't control.
Arjun walked in at number three.
First ball: left alone.
Second ball: forward defense.
The bowler smiled.
By the tenth over, that smile was gone.
Arjun wasn't attacking.
He was **removing options**.
Bowlers shortened length instinctively.
Fields spread unnecessarily.
Pressure leaked outward.
Arjun reached fifty with a glance to the scoreboard—nothing more.
Final score: 89.
No fireworks.
Yet commentary lingered.
"Technically… very correct."
"Unusual calm for his age."
Kulkarni switched off the TV.