In the absence of a coach or formal instruction, Arjun approached the upcoming selection in the only way he knew—with observation, repetition, and deliberate adjustment, relying on the foundation he had built over the past weeks to prepare himself for a level of play that he had not yet experienced directly.
His practice sessions became more focused, not longer, but more intentional, as he began to simulate conditions that he expected to face, imagining bowlers with greater control, fields that restricted easy runs, and situations where mistakes would carry greater consequences, forcing himself to adapt mentally as well as physically.
He paid closer attention to his weaknesses, particularly his endurance, ensuring that his sessions extended slightly beyond his comfort zone, while maintaining the balance that prevented overexertion, gradually building his capacity without disrupting the consistency he had established.
There was no external validation, no feedback beyond his own observation and the occasional flicker of the system, yet this lack of external influence allowed him to remain grounded in process rather than expectation, ensuring that his preparation remained aligned with long-term growth rather than short-term performance.