The GOAT of Cricket

*May 18, 2017 | Bangalore – Days before Playoffs*

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**Scene 1: Red Carpet, Bright Lights**

The event was meant to celebrate cricket.

Instead, it looked more like a film premiere.

Red carpet rolled out. Paparazzi clicked from every angle. Sponsors stood with champagne flutes.

RCB players—dressed sharp in tailored suits—smiled on cue.

Ishaan Verma stood at the center of the noise.

Cameras flashed.

"Mr. Verma, turn this way."

"Emma? Is she watching the Final?"

"What shampoo do you use?"

He smiled. Nodded. Didn't answer.

**Inner Monologue:**

> *This isn't cricket. This is theatre.*

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**Scene 2: Stuck in Stardom**

Later, during a panel interview with sponsors, the moderator turned to him:

"You're not just a cricketer now, Ishaan. You're a brand. A voice. What does that feel like?"

Ishaan paused. Forced a polite chuckle.

"Still figuring that out. I just like scoring runs."

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**Scene 3: The Locker Room Contrast**

Back at the Chinnaswamy Stadium next morning, Kohli watched Ishaan walk in—eyes tired, gait slower than usual.

No sunglasses. No aura. Just fatigue.

"You good?" Virat asked.

Ishaan: "I think so."

Kohli nodded, then whispered:

**"The game starts when the camera turns off. Don't forget who you are when they tell you what you are."**

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**Scene 4: Late Night Rewind**

In his hotel room, Ishaan sat cross-legged on the floor.

A massive poster of him from an Adidas shoot stared from the wall—bat raised, jaw clenched, styled hair.

He turned away.

Opened his phone gallery. Scrolled far back.

Found a photo: 13-year-old Ishaan, chalk lines on his cheeks, standing outside a local coaching camp.

**Caption back then:** *"One day. Just one chance."*

He smiled. Shut the phone.

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**Scene 5: Out in the Nets**

At 11:07 PM, he was the only one at the training ground.

Floodlights half on. Dew settling. No sound but the rhythmic *thud* of leather on willow.

He batted against throwdowns, one after another.

Bouncer. Duck.

Cutter. Drive.

Yorker. Dig out.

Stump Mic (Trainer):

> "Still pushing this hard?"

Ishaan: "Especially now."

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**Scene 6: Dhoni Calls Again**

Next day. A brief pause between team briefings.

Phone vibrated. **M.S. Dhoni**.

Ishaan answered.

MS: "Saw you trending. Red carpet, awards, filters."

Ishaan: "Not by choice."

MS chuckled.

"Comes with it. But remember—spotlights have heat. And shadows teach balance."

Pause.

"Big game's coming. Be fireproof. That's all I'll say."

Click.

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**Scene 7: Tunnel Vision**

In the lead-up to the playoffs, Ishaan began skipping media sessions.

No podcasts. No late night interviews.

Kohli defended him publicly: "The kid's just focusing on cricket."

Privately, Kohli watched Ishaan thump balls in the nets and mutter between strokes:

**"Line... body... wait... now!"**

He was sharpening.

The power was real.

But the glare would not define him.

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