The GOAT of Cricket

*Bangalore, India — May 2016*

The final over was history. Royal Challengers Bangalore had finally done it. IPL 2016 belonged to them. The moment the winning runs were scored, Bangalore transformed into a living, breathing celebration. Streets overflowed with joy. Every rooftop, every shop, every vehicle, every heart in the city wore red.

And in the middle of it all, a young man named Ishaan Verma stood quietly at the edge of the chaos, letting the roars wash over him.

His journey from Shivaji Park to the IPL championship had taken less than two years, but it felt like a lifetime lived on fast-forward. And now, he was a champion. Not just of Bangalore, but of belief.

### The Streets Bleed Red

From MG Road to Koramangala, from Indiranagar to Whitefield, there wasn't a corner of Bangalore that didn't feel the pulse of triumph. Traffic signals blinked red, not as warnings but as declarations of pride.

Auto-rickshaw drivers decorated their hoods with RCB flags. College students sprayed graffiti that read:

**"Ee Sala Cup Namdu! Finally!"**

**"Verma = Velocity + Victory"**

The franchise set up LED displays across major junctions, replaying the qualifier, and then the final over and over again. Ishaan's 19-ball 50 in the qualifiers was now part of RCB folklore. His 48\* in the final, a composed knock under pressure, had secured their maiden title.

Everywhere he turned, people knew his name.

### The Victory Parade

Two days later, the official celebration began.

An open-top double-decker bus started its journey from Cubbon Park, making its way to Chinnaswamy Stadium.

On the upper deck, the team stood united.

**Virat Kohli** held the trophy high, surrounded by **AB de Villiers**, **Chris Gayle**, and **Yuzvendra Chahal**.

In the center, one hand clutching the railing, the other waving hesitantly: **Ishaan Verma**.

"Bangalore, make some noise for your new hero!" the announcer screamed through loudspeakers.

Crowds tossed rose petals. Kids screamed his name. Women blew kisses. Grandparents waved with tears in their eyes.

The bus reached Chinnaswamy. A giant banner hung across the stadium entrance:

**"Verma: The Future Is Now"**

More than 40,000 people packed the stands. The stadium was a cauldron of pride and euphoria.

When Ishaan was called to the stage, Kohli whispered in his ear, "Soak this in. You earned it."

Ishaan stepped up, looked around, and saw flashbacks:

* A towel-wrapped bat.

* A glass of warm milk from Meera.

* Kulkarni's voice at Shivaji Park nets.

* His father's tired but proud eyes.

"To all the kids dreaming out there," Ishaan said into the mic, "don't stop swinging the bat. Even if no one's watching. Especially then. Thank you, Bangalore. This is your trophy."

### The Aftermath

In the days that followed, RCB players became gods in the city.

Gayle had a street food item named after him. Chahal was given lifetime free entry into three major clubs. Kohli, of course, had murals painted across town. But the biggest rise was Ishaan's.

He appeared on national talk shows. Brands lined up for endorsements. MRF signed him to a multi-year bat sponsorship deal. Puma and Nike both launched bidding wars.

His Instagram, barely at a few thousand a month ago, crossed 7 million followers.

### Home Sweet Home

But in Mumbai, Ishaan was just Meera's son. She hugged him tight and served shrikhand and puris the moment he returned.

"Don't forget to eat," she warned.

Ishaan smiled. "I never could, Ma."

He went to Shivaji Park the next morning. Coach Kulkarni was already there.

"You're still early," Kulkarni said.

"Still learning, sir."

"Good. Because now the real game begins."

### Virat's Words

A week later, the RCB team gathered for a private party at a resort on the outskirts of Bangalore. Virat pulled Ishaan aside as they watched the sunset over a cricket-themed cake.

"You remind me of me," Kohli said. "But smarter. More still. Stay that way. Your moment is coming. Blue jersey. National anthem. You ready for it?"

Ishaan nodded. "I've waited my whole life for it."

### Whispers of Blue

The BCCI selection panel was abuzz. The India A squad for the tour of South Africa was being finalized. Ishaan's name was on every short list.

Kohli had personally recommended him to the chief selector.

"He's not just a batter. He's a temperament."

The media called it a certainty. Fans were already visualizing an opening pair of **Rohit Sharma** and **Ishaan Verma**.

And still, Ishaan trained like he hadn't won anything.

He returned to basics: underarm throwdowns from Kulkarni, high catches, shadow practice with the towel-wrapped bat. He knew glory was a flicker. Legacy was a fire.

### Diary Entry

*June 12, 2016*

*It still doesn't feel real. The confetti, the firecrackers, the chants. I dreamed of it. But living it? It's louder. Heavier. Sweeter.*

*But now, I dream in blue. And this time, I won't just knock. I'll break the door down.*

### The Final Scene

That evening, Ishaan stood alone on his terrace in Mumbai. Below, the streets were calmer. IPL fever was settling.

He looked up at the stars.

"We did it, Dada," he whispered.

Then, softly:

"Now, it's time for India."