Emperor Of Cricket

As the presentation ceremony began, the bright stadium lights illuminated the stage where the Man of the Match trophy stood tall. The crowd, though disappointed by KKR's loss, still cheered as Advay Rai's name was announced as the Player of the Match for the third consecutive game.

Harsha Bhogle, holding the microphone, welcomed Advay with a warm smile. "Well, here we are again! Advay Rai, another match-winning performance. 82 off 40 with the bat and a crucial wicket in the death overs. Tell us, how do you keep doing this?"

Advay adjusted the mic slightly, smiling. "It's all about keeping things simple, Harsha. We had a great start with the bat, and in the second innings, it was about staying calm under pressure. KKR is a tough team, and the crowd here at Eden Gardens is unbelievable. I'm just happy we got the win."

Harsha nodded. "Speaking of pressure, when Andre Russell was going berserk, what was the plan? You came in to bowl a crucial over when he was looking unstoppable."

Advay chuckled, shaking his head. "Russell is one of the most dangerous players in the world. The plan was just to execute my lengths well, mix up my pace, and force him into a mistake. Thankfully, it worked, but credit to our entire bowling unit for keeping it tight in the end."

Harsha grinned. "This is your third consecutive Man of the Match award in as many games. Is this becoming a habit?"

The crowd laughed, and Advay smirked. "I wouldn't mind it becoming a habit, but cricket is unpredictable. Some days go your way, some don't. I just focus on doing my job and helping the team win."

Harsha patted him on the shoulder. "Well, you're winning matches and hearts, Advay. Congratulations again, and keep entertaining us!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Advay lifted the Man of the Match trophy, waving to the fans before walking off the stage.

As he made his way back toward the dressing room, he already knew what was waiting for him—Virat, Chahal, and the entire RCB squad, ready to tease him mercilessly.

Two days after the match, Advay sat in his home office, a thick contract lying open on the desk before him. The sleek black folder bore the MRF Tyres logo, a name synonymous with some of the greatest cricketers in the world. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers had all carried the famous MRF logo on their bats, and now, they wanted him.

The offer had come through his management team earlier that day, and though he wasn't one to chase endorsements, this was different. This was MRF—a brand that had long been associated with legends of the game.

Sitting across from him were his company lawyers, meticulously going through every clause of the agreement. Advay leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping against the desk as he listened to them break down the details.

"The contract is well-structured, with standard performance-based bonuses. No exclusivity clauses restricting you from future deals," one of the lawyers explained, flipping through the pages. "It's a clean deal. Nothing that would interfere with your game."

Advay nodded, his gaze dropping to the contract once more. He wasn't just signing an endorsement—he was aligning himself with a brand that had been worn by cricket's greatest names.

After a moment, he picked up the pen, scanning the final lines before pressing it to the paper. With a firm signature, he sealed the deal.

Advay Rai was now an MRF-endorsed athlete.

He closed the folder, exhaling softly as he leaned back. It was just another step in a journey that was only getting started.

The atmosphere at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur was electric. A sea of pink and blue jerseys filled the stands, Rajasthan Royals fans roaring in anticipation, knowing they had a tough challenge ahead. RCB, undefeated in the tournament so far, was looking to extend their dominant run, while RR, playing at home, wanted to stop their momentum.

Toss & First Innings - RCB Batting

Under the bright floodlights, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane walked out for the toss. The referee flipped the coin, and Virat called it right.

"We'll bat first," Virat said with confidence. "The wicket looks good, it's dry, and we expect it to slow down later. We back ourselves to put up a strong total."

Rahane, though calm, acknowledged that they would have also batted first if given the choice.

With the decision made, RCB openers Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel walked out to bat, the Jaipur crowd buzzing with anticipation. Jofra Archer steamed in with the new ball, knowing that an early wicket could set the tone for RR's defense.

Archer's first delivery was full and quick at 148 kmph, swinging slightly away. Virat leaned into a classic cover drive, the ball racing to the boundary in an instant. The perfect start.

Harsha Bhogle, on commentary, chuckled. "That's Virat Kohli for you! Doesn't matter if it's the first ball, if it's there to be driven, he'll drive it with elegance."

Archer adjusted his length, going short and rising at 150 kmph. This time, Virat rocked back and pulled it over square leg for six!

RCB 10/0 after the first over, and the pressure was already on RR.

However, Shreyas Gopal, RR's leg-spinner, was introduced early, and he struck immediately! Parthiv Patel mistimed a sweep shot, the ball lobbing to mid-wicket. RCB lost their first wicket at 23/1.

That brought Advay Rai to the crease, walking in under the Jaipur night sky, the crowd still murmuring from the wicket.

On the very first ball, Gopal bowled a sharp googly, trying to test the young batter. Advay picked it early, stepped out, and lofted it inside-out over extra cover for six!

The entire RCB dugout stood up, Virat clapping from the non-striker's end.

Matthew Hayden laughed. "Oh boy, that's class! He just danced down the track and dismissed it like it was nothing!"

Advay and Virat built a steady partnership, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. The powerplay ended with RCB at 54/1, a solid platform for acceleration.

However, just as things were picking up pace, Rajasthan struck again. Virat (39 off 24) edged one behind off Jaydev Unadkat, trying to ramp it over the keeper.

RCB was 72/2 in the 9th over, and now, AB de Villiers walked in.

For the next five overs, the crowd witnessed pure class, as AB and Advay counterattacked beautifully. Unadkat was flicked through midwicket, Archer was pulled over fine leg, and Shreyas Gopal was lifted over long-on.

By the time 15 overs were done, the scoreboard read:

RCB 145/2

Advay Rai – 61(38)*AB de Villiers – 34(21)*

The final five overs saw quick wickets. AB de Villiers fell for 45, trying to clear long-off, and Advay followed in the next over, chopping a slower ball onto his stumps for 82 off 49 balls.

Marcus Stoinis and Colin de Grandhomme provided a late flurry of boundaries, pushing RCB to 189/6 in 20 overs.

Harsha Bhogle: "This is a competitive total! Not impossible, but RCB has the bowling attack to defend this if they execute well."

Second Innings - RR Chasing

Under the Jaipur floodlights, Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane walked out, determined to chase down 190. Virat set an attacking field, knowing that early wickets were key to victory.

Navdeep Saini took the new ball, steaming in at 145+ kmph. The first ball was short, rising towards Buttler's ribs—but Buttler, quick on his feet, swiveled and pulled it over fine leg for six!

The Rajasthan crowd roared as Buttler continued attacking.

In just three overs, RR raced to 42/0, with Rahane joining in with classic drives. RCB needed a breakthrough, fast.

Virat turned to Yuzvendra Chahal, and once again, he delivered.

Chahal bowled a deceptive leg-break, drifting outside off. Rahane, trying to loft it over long-off, mistimed it completely! The ball went high, and Marcus Stoinis settled under it to take the catch.

Harsha Bhogle: "And just like that, RCB gets their first! Chahal, you beauty!"

RR lost Rahane for 27, and in walked Sanju Samson, known for his elegant stroke play.

The next few overs saw RR recover, with Buttler and Samson rotating strike well, punishing loose balls. By the 10th over, RR was 96/1, still very much in control.

Virat brought Advay Rai into the attack, and the move worked immediately.

Advay bowled a full, skiddy delivery at 144 kmph, angling in from around the wicket. Samson tried to flick it across the line, but missed completely! The ball crashed into middle and leg stump!

Advay roared in celebration, and RCB had a massive breakthrough!

Harsha Bhogle: "That's quick, that's straight, and that's OUT! What a wicket from Advay Rai!"

RR now needed 94 off 54 balls, and all eyes were on Steve Smith and Buttler.

The game tilted back and forth, with Smith keeping RR in the hunt, playing textbook strokes while Buttler took calculated risks.

With 3 overs to go, RR needed 38 off 18 balls.

Virat tossed the ball to Navdeep Saini, trusting him to bowl a crucial 18th over.

And Saini delivered.

The first ball—a 147 kmph short-pitched rocket—Buttler went for the pull but skied it straight to deep square leg! The entire RCB team exploded in celebration!

Harsha Bhogle: "AND HE'S GONE! The big wicket of Jos Buttler! Saini has done it for RCB!"

With Buttler out for 72, the chase started falling apart.

The final over arrived with RR needing 20 runs off 6 balls. Virat handed the ball to Marcus Stoinis.

Stoinis kept it tight, only conceding 7 runs, sealing a 13-run win for RCB!

The players celebrated another dominant victory, and as they walked off, Virat clapped Advay on the back. "Four games, four wins. We keep going."

Advay nodded, his mind already on the next challenge ahead.

The morning of April 9, 2019, was bright and crisp as Advay arrived at the private test track on the outskirts of the city. The area had been transformed into a professional film set, with camera rigs, crew members, and high-powered floodlights positioned around the circuit. The smell of burnt rubber lingered in the air, a reminder of the tire tests that had already taken place earlier.

The director, a man in his mid-40s with a headset around his neck, walked up to Advay, holding a clipboard. "Alright, here's how this shot is going to go," he began, gesturing towards the sleek black sports bike positioned at the center of the track. Its MRF-branded tires gleamed under the sunlight, thick and grippy, built for high-speed maneuvering.

"You're going to take off from the far end of the track," the director explained, pointing down the long, empty stretch of asphalt. "We need you to build speed quickly, push the bike past 100 kmph before you hit the curve. Then, when you reach that marked section—see those cones?—you'll need to execute a hard drift. Keep it tight, let the tires screech, and then straighten out before bringing the bike to a controlled stop."

Advay nodded, adjusting his gloves as he listened intently.

The director continued, "We've got three camera rigs following you—one tracking from the drone above, another from the side for the tire close-ups, and a third mounted on a chase car behind you. The focus is on the drift, so make sure it's clean and sharp."

Advay smirked, strapping on his helmet. "Got it. Let's do this."

The assistant director signaled to the crew, and the countdown began.

"Three… two… one… ACTION!"

With a sharp twist of the throttle, the bike roared to life, and Advay exploded forward, his body leaning into the wind as he built up speed. The tires gripped the asphalt tightly, the engine screaming as he pushed past 100 kmph.

As the curve approached, he took a quick glance at the markers, gauging the perfect moment. Then, in a fluid motion, he eased off the throttle, shifted his weight, and yanked the brake just enough to send the bike into a powerful drift.

The tires screeched, a thick cloud of smoke rising as the bike skidded sideways. The cameras captured every second—the lean, the precision, the moment the MRF tires gripped the road mid-drift, and the perfect recovery as he straightened out effortlessly.

As Advay brought the bike to a smooth stop, the crew erupted into cheers, the director clapping his hands.

"That was perfect!" he called out, walking over. "One take, no retakes. You made it look effortless."

Advay grinned under his helmet, unbuckling it. "Just like in cricket—timing is everything."

As Advay unbuckled his helmet, the director walked over, still grinning. "That was perfect!" he said, clapping his hands. "One take, no retakes. You made it look effortless."

Advay smirked, running a hand through his hair. "Just like in cricket—timing is everything."

The director chuckled before glancing at his clipboard. "Alright, now for the second part of the shoot. Your co-actor hasn't arrived yet, but let me walk you through the scene."

He gestured toward the bike again. "This time, you'll be doing the same high-speed sequence, but with her sitting behind you."

Advay raised an eyebrow. "You're putting someone on the backseat during a drift?"

The director laughed. "Don't worry, it's choreographed. She won't be on for the entire run. We'll shoot it in sections—first, a smooth ride down the track with her behind you, and then a separate shot of you doing the drift solo. In editing, we'll merge them to make it look like one continuous motion."

Advay nodded, adjusting his gloves. "Got it. Who's the co-actor?"

The director glanced at his assistant. "She should be here any moment now."

Just as he said that, a car pulled into the lot, and Advay turned his head toward it, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

As the black luxury car pulled into the lot, Advay instinctively turned his head toward it. The car door opened, and stepping out was Ananya Pandey.

For a brief second, Advay just stared.

Of all the people he had expected, she was the last person on his list.

The director, oblivious to the sudden shift in tension, clapped his hands together. "And there she is! Ananya, welcome! You'll be riding with Advay today."

Ananya walked up to them, her usual confident yet relaxed demeanor intact. She was dressed in a sleek black leather jacket and jeans, clearly in sync with the aesthetic of the commercial. She glanced at Advay, then greeted him with a small smile.

"Hey, Advay."

Advay quickly composed himself and nodded. "Hey."

Ananya then gestured toward the two empty chairs near the director's tent. "Come on, sit."

They both sat down, and after a moment of silence, she turned slightly toward him, her expression unreadable. "Do you remember me?"

Advay exhaled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, of course I do."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I seem to remember someone leaving in the middle of a conversation."

Advay gave her a confused look. "I was about to say the same thing. You were the one who left."

Ananya let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Nope. You did."

For a moment, they just looked at each other.

The same situation. Two people. Two completely different versions of what had happened.

Advay leaned forward slightly, his expression still carrying a hint of confusion. "I went to the washroom. I came back, but you were gone. So I thought you left, so I left."

Ananya's brows furrowed for a moment before her lips curled into a small smile. "Ohh… that explains it."

Advay tilted his head slightly. "Explains what?"

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "I didn't know you went to the washroom. I thought you just went to get something. So I went to the washroom."

Advay blinked, realizing where this was going.

Ananya continued, "And by the time I came back… you were gone. Your whole team was gone."

For a few seconds, there was silence. Then Advay exhaled, shaking his head with a half-smile. "So basically, we both thought the other one left first."

Ananya laughed softly. "Pretty much."

They sat there for a moment, both processing how ridiculous the whole situation had been. What were the chances? After all this time, after all the 'who left first' theories', it was just a badly timed washroom break.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. They just stared at each other, processing the absurdity of what had actually happened that day.

Then, almost at the same time, they both burst into laughter.

It wasn't a small chuckle or a polite laugh—it was genuine, uncontrollable laughter, the kind that made their shoulders shake and their heads tilt back slightly.

Advay ran a hand through his hair, still laughing. "All this time, I thought you just walked away in the middle of the conversation!"

Ananya wiped a small tear from the corner of her eye, still grinning. "And I thought you ditched me! Turns out, we just have the worst timing ever."

Their laughter slowly died down, but the amusement still lingered in their eyes. The tension from earlier was completely gone, replaced by a strange sense of relief—like an unsolved mystery had finally been cleared up.