Howazatt!?

By Sandeep Bhadange

Known for his hard work and mechanical execution of plans, he is the envy of the Cricket world. All is going well with him, and his visibly invincible Indian team, until he meets a suave business tycoon who is set to change the face of sports forever. He throws a challenge at the Indian captain, who finds it hard to refuse. The challenge involves his Indian Team defeating an immaculate team designed and brought into this world, exclusively, to play the sport. This unique challenge, however, is only the beginning. Cricketers from all around the world soon follow the Indian captain in the world of agony and humiliation. The Indian captain’s world begins to fall further apart, as the game of Cricket is snatched away from him and every known human cricketer. With any possible attempt at resurrection neutralized pre-emptively, the Indian captain falls into the darkness of despair.

When all seems to be lost, his close friends set up a meeting between him and a monk, who loves the game of Cricket. With visionary inputs from the monk, the Indian captain develops a fresh perspective of the game and sees hope and purpose in his existence again. Additionally, an intelligent female acquaintance from the past joins hands to provide her expertise and strategy to plot an elegant plan of attack. Armed with the inspiration from the monk, newly instilled self-confidence from his friends, extraordinary vision from the intelligent woman...and a bizarre team of extraordinary individuals, the captain considers himself well and truly on his way to achieve the impossible. But the road to redemption is never a straight path. He will have to battle his own betrayal and face a brutal past before he could again become the leader of the pack. Will he be able to bring the game of Cricket back into human lives? Will he be able to conquer what should be conquered? Or will he fail again in the monumental task that no human being has ever succeeded at? Will he become a winner? Or will he go beyond winning?

Written in a crisp, quirky language and celebrating the indomitable human spirit, the book is a science-fiction thriller with the game of Cricket as the backdrop. Narrated in a non-linear fashion, the story has all the elements that go into making a potboiler story like humor, sarcasm, romance, science, data science, robotics, crazy characters, sane characters, self-discovery, self-actualization...and of course, Cricket! The book outlines a roller-coaster journey of human beings in the future learning to rediscover what it entails to be a human being in a technologically advanced world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Release date: Aug 6, 2020

Sandeep Bhadange

I, Sandeep Bhadange, am a regular employee working for an MNC in the field of Information Technology for many years now. I have completed an Executive Programme in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management - Calcutta. I have also graduated with Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree from the Mumbai University. I have risen from the digital ashes of developing and testing codes, to designing systems and making others code, to the flight of the Management phoenix (that’s how I prefer visualizing my career dramatically). Despite being a part of Management, I continue to remain in love with coding and still do it every now and then out of sheer love for the art (that’s right! It’s not a science!!).Being an ardent and voracious reader of anything that is put on my desk, it was only natural for me to write a book myself. While I always valued imagination over logic, it was only after I rubbed shoulders with some amazing people at the IIM Calcutta (the guys are truly Rockstars!), did I realize that I had a super-power. My brain always seemed to be connected to a parallel universe where millions of stories are unfolding simultaneously. It was only a matter of typing those surreal stories being witnessed so vividly, on the laptop one at a time. After many years of procrastinating on this thought, I have finally decided to debut with my novel Howazatt!? Out of the many stories in my head, I decided to pick this one because it involved the sport that instilled the values of sportsmanship in me. I learnt everything from the game and wanted to give something back to the sport. This story is a humble attempt at giving back to the game that I am madly in love with.

Book preview

Howazatt!?

That’s a cracking cover drive from none other than the Indian captain himself….! What a joy it is to watch this young man play…!! He is such a copybook player…almost mechanical in his execution… the commentator boomed with excitement at the brilliance of the shot. As the replay visuals of a copybook cover-drive were being played out in slow-motion on the holographic screen, Veer poured himself some coffee and sat down to watch the Cricket match. The match was being beamed on a state-of-art 3D holographic portal in HDH (High-Definition-Holographic) video mode. The brand-new product had launched only a month ago but almost every sports-lover in the world owned one. Live matches could be beamed on the portal providing the viewer with an apparition of the match being played inside a table-sized holographic stadium placed within the comfort of their homes. Veer had placed the portal in the living room of his residence. A large in-built holographic screen at this stadium displayed the replays of the action after every delivery was bowled. The cover-drive was worth watching five times from different angles. The commentator’s voice boomed around the room in crystal-clear surround-sound mode. This gave Veer a full experience of watching the match from the commentator’s-box at the stadium.

The hysterical crowd cheered in appreciation of the shot. The Indian flags were being waved frantically. India needed 3 runs to win off the last delivery now. The boundary had eased some pressure off the Indian fans, but the match could still go either way.

I can’t believe McPherson has bowled a wide half-volley at this stage… one commentator remarked. He is the most feared bowler in Cricket today and such a mistake from him is unbelievable…

That’s what nerves can do to you…but I can assure you that the next delivery would be a cracker… another commentator added. He is too good a bowler to bowl another loose delivery at this stage…

McPherson began his run-up. The crowd could barely hold still and went wild with anticipation. Being the lethal bowler that he was, McPherson bowled the perfect bouncer. Fast, accurate and right at the jaw of the batsman. But the Indian captain seemed to have all the time in the world to hook it and hook it well. The bowl sailed into the stands from the middle of the bat where the euphoric crowd welcomed it in their arms.

India wins the match! the commentator screamed. The captain has brought them back from the jaws of defeat once again…

The Indian team and its support staff ran onto the field in excitement. Amidst all this madness, the captain pumped his fist in the air. He was known for his theatrics after victory. After he was done, he began shaking hands with the members of a gutted Australian team.

 You have a visitor, Veer! the Personal Assistant Device notified a startled Veer.

Who is it, Ashley? Veer asked. And when was the last time you notified me of a visitor?

It’s Krish Ashley spoke. "And when was the last time you called me Ash?"

You must be kidding me! Veer turned around and glanced at the digital screen on the door. It displayed a sad face of a young man looking at the camera and waving.

And to answer your question Ashley continued. I notified you of a visitor 27 days ago when a group of children knocked at your door and ran off!

What is Krish doing here this late in the evening? Veer grumbled. You don’t come knocking on people’s door after a year without prior appointment. Do I ever do that?

The regulation is not applicable to close friends and acquaintances, Veer Ashley stated.

Veer gestured at the door hesitantly and the door unlocked, letting the visitor in.

 I was not expecting to see you today and at this hour. How are you, Krish? Veer spoke bluntly.

How are you, Krish? Long time, no see Ashley greeted.

Hey, Ash Krish greeted back in a low voice as he sat down quietly on the sofa watching the giant holographic screen. The victorious Indian team was making a failed attempt to hoist their captain on their shoulders. Krish chuckled at the visuals of the entire Indian team trying to catch hold of their captain as the captain dashed towards the dressing room as if his life depended on it.

 Shall I pour you some coffee…? Veer inquired.

That was a good match, wasn’t it? It seemed impossible to score even one run off McPherson...he was incredibly good that day... Krish recounted.

Veer handed-over a cup of coffee to Krish with a wry nod to his comment.

How did you manage to hit him for a six then, skipper? asked Krish inquisitively, taking a sip of coffee.

Veer sat down besides Krish on the sofa.

I was reasonably confident that he would not bowl full after what happened on the previous delivery. It was calculated anticipation I guess... Veer replied.

The holographic screen continued to play the moments that seemed like a haunting dream today. Mahaveer Bhosale, the captain of the Indian Cricket team, lifting the trophy in front of the home crowd and taking a victory lap around the stadium with arms around Krishna Ramanathan, the vice-captain. They happily let the Indian team members lead the victory lap while the duo themselves jogged behind the rest of the team acknowledging the cheers from the crowd.

 These are the moments that a cricketer lives for…and most probably is willing to die for! Krish sighed.

Veer could sense the disappointment in his voice. But he chose to silently continue staring at the visuals.

Now I wonder Krish continued are we just going to relive those moments by merely watching replays of those great victories earned through hard-fought battles? Would we be ever able to taste or even sniff what victory feels like?

Sensing the turmoil in his tone, Veer made a gesture. The entire holographic stadium disappeared with the appliance switching off, leading to an eerie silence in the room.

Why are you here at this odd hour, Krish? Veer inquired.

For the same reason that you were watching a match replay at this odd hour. I haven’t slept in months, skipper! Krish exclaimed.

Clearly, coffee was not the right drink for you then Veer replied. You should try medication

 I don’t need medication, skipper. I need salvation Krish sighed.

Veer knew that sitting in that room were two men who were trying to drown their deepest sorrows in their own way. But they had no choice. Given a chance, they would be happy to just feel the grass of the Cricket ground and play their hearts out.

How is everyone else? Veer inquired.

Good, I guess... Krish replied. I haven’t been in touch with anyone lately. But I am sure they all still hate you

And you don’t? Veer asked sarcastically.

Have you been to the Krishna temple at Bengaluru? Krish asked.

What? Veer asked surprised.

Fantastic place Krish continued. You should go there one of these days. I had gone there recently. I happen to have a word with the Prabhuji there…

What are you talking about? Veer asked confused.

"Prabhuji is sort of a title for the temple priest" Krish clarified assuming Veer was interested in the details of his story.

I asked him, why does our God give us so much suffering? Doesn’t he love us? Do you know what he replied? Krish inquired expecting Veer to guess the answer.

Something cheesy that convinced you to come down here? Veer guessed.

He said, God has His reasons to do what He does. Just because you don’t know or understand them does not make His actions wrong Krish corrected Veer’s guess work.

Yeah. That was cheesy enough Veer taunted.

I realized you had your reasons to do what you did, Veer. My ignorance about the rationale behind your actions should not imply that you were wrong. After all, you were our god! Krish explained his realization.

 Krish, I know you are troubled. But I don’t know how I can help you in any way Veer spoke fast, attempting to digress from the topic.

 Don’t worry, skipper said Krish. I haven’t come here to ask for help

Good! But you do look like you need help Veer smirked.

I know Krish acknowledged with a sigh. Luckily, my girlfriend is a psychoanalyst. She provides me with all the help I need…

"Really? Please spare me any intimate details of how your girlfriend helps you" Veer cringed.

Professionally! I meant she helps me professionally Krish responded with disgust at the implied crassness before pausing for a while and remarking dejectedly. But she has been too professional lately

Veer burst out laughing as Krish joined in. 

So why are you here, Krish? asked Veer as the laughter died out.

Meenaxi gave me this stupid homework Krish began explaining. Veer was already alarmed knowing how seriously Krish took the smallest of chores assigned by Meenaxi.

She wanted me to remember the last time I was feeling really happy Krish continued his explanation. Then I must go and talk, for a minimum one hour, to any one person whom I had shared that happy moment with …

And what moment and person did you choose? asked Veer.

There were so many happy moments shared with so many people, skipper Krish replied after a thoughtful pause. I was the happiest standing on that podium lifting winner’s trophies with the team, standing by your side as the team got their pix clicked with those trophies, watching you play from the non-strikers end was a sheer delight, those high-fives when we got an opposition batsman out just as we had planned, those abuses you hurled at us in the dressing-room after a poor show, those days spent at the practice-sessions getting wood on the leather. I was the happiest playing Cricket! That was the last time I was really happy!!

Veer could understand what Krish was implying. He knew a lot of people who felt the same way. Deep down, he himself was one of them.

Other than the time you made me keep wickets, I enjoyed all of it Krish sighed and sulked.

The good news is that we are already around 10 minutes into your assignment. What do we talk for rest of the 50 minutes? Veer had resigned to the fact that he had been dragged into one of the all-important directives from Meenaxi. Krish would never cross her directive.

Actually, she wanted me to remember a particular happy day or moment as vividly as possible. Then she wanted me to figure out why it made me particularly happy. Finally, of course, I take notes and report to her my observations objectively Krish explained, indicating his unhappiness over the writing part of the assignment.

All right Veer said. Let’s do this. What day would you like to recollect?

*************

India started as the favorites to win the match that day Krish began his story. But one after another, Indian wickets kept tumbling. At one point in time, India were 12 runs with 3 wickets down after 4 overs. Not the kind of score any team wants in a T20 Internationals. But we never lost hope since it was none other than our Indian captain who was batting on the difficult Barbados pitch Krish pointed at Veer to emphasize who the Indian captain was that day. It was the sheer brilliance of our captain that got us to a score of 121 at the end of the innings. It was not a big score, but a tricky one to chase down

We lost that match! Veer interjected.

Right, and badly so too, if I may add replied Krish

So how is that supposed to make your depression go away? Veer spoke with evident irritation. He was a man who hated to lose and the mere mention of the matches he lost made him fume with anger.

Krish was lost in his narration and stared into space as if the match was happening right before his eyes. He chose to ignore Veer’s jibe.

Something very special happened in that match. West Indies needed 2 runs from last 13 deliveries and had 4-5 wickets in hand. Ambers had already scored 50 plus runs and was on song that day. He was a smart batsman and knew that there was no need for unnecessary heroics. While the crowd expected him to hit the next ball for a six, he simply played the next delivery with a dead bat and scampered for a single that would level our scores. A few meters from the crease at the other end, however, he collided with our bowler and fell on the ground. I fielded the ball and was about to throw at the stumps when I happened to look towards the fallen Ambers. Our eyes met and he knew it was all over. One direct hit from me and he would be back in the pavilion. He had closed his eyes waiting for the end

You didn’t throw the ball Veer sighed.

No, I couldn’t throw the ball! Krish clarified. Remember how Ambers had made his debut in that match and he was only 19 years old. He played like a champion and deserved to finish the match for his team. Anyway, he had collided with Satya who, we all know, was purposely standing in his way. It was unfair to hit the stumps then....

You cannot think like that, Krish Veer began. We already talked about this. Satya testified that he did not do it on purpose. It was stupid of you to do what you did. If we could have had that one crucial wicket then, we could have gone hard at them towards the end...maybe cause some panic in their lower order. You jeopardized our possible upper-hand

Veer had already given an earful to Krish on the match evening that day.

I did what I knew was the right thing to do, skipper Krish replied. Although you still hate me for it, I slept peacefully that evening. This conquest that we had been a part of until then had gone a bit out of hand. We kept winning matches after matches and our team seemed invincible in every condition on any day. We were like an unstoppable force that had destroyed every opposition that it met. But slowly I began to realize that in our bid to play the game hard, we had become brutal conquerors who took no prisoners. We started resorting to verbal volleys and nasty bouncers in face of possible losses. Winning was indeed all that mattered to us. We ceased being humans playing the sport

Ceased being humans playing the sport…? Veer could barely control his anger as he continued his rant. "How many teams do you know play to lose, Krish? Every team is doing the same thing. It’s called competitiveness. Only the best win and we were good at winning"

Agreed. We were incredibly good at winning Krish replied proudly. But it was in that moment, when I did not throw the ball, did I realize how we all are a part of one great sport. I asked myself, if that’s Ambers lying on the ground or our morals? I realized how we all are connected beyond this sport and how human we all really are…faltering, colliding, falling despite playing such a flawless knock

Veer listened silently before remarking Did Meenaxi feed you this nonsense?

Most of it Krish chuckled. I visited Ambers recently. Do you know what he told me?

Thank you for your stupidity that day, oh king of idiots! I hail thee? Veer guessed sarcastically.

 Not exactly, although he did thank me Krish replied. He told me that he had a very tough childhood and he started playing this game only because it fetched his family some money. He did not love the game, but he was good at it. On his debut against us, he was just doing what he had being doing before. His teammates had placed a bet before the start of the match that he would get out within first two overs he faced. He retorted by promising that no one could get him out in that match. So, when I was about to throw the ball that day, he saw his promise being broken. When I did not throw the ball, he couldn’t believe it either. But he understood why I did it. And for that, he was thankful to me. He understood what this sport truly stood for. It was only after that day, he started loving the game

Krish was thoroughly contented about his act that led to a change of heart.

How romantic! Veer taunted. But don’t you think that you should run this assignment of yours with Ambers then? Because only he can help you figure out the vivid happy details of that day. I am the wrong person for this assignment because neither was I a bit happy that day nor do I recollect leaving you any happy memories with me from that day

Actually… Krish revealed I already ran this assignment with him. I had also made the notes and submitted them to Meenaxi

Then why are you here telling me all this? Veer seemed puzzled.

"I am here because of this analysis report prepared by Meenaxi after I submitted my report. It’s a bit lengthy...but just skip to the end, under section Recommended remedial measures"

Krish displayed the digital report on his handy to Veer. It read as follows:

Problem summary and Recommended Remedial Measures:

We have forgotten what it is like to win despite our flaws and shortcomings. We have forgotten what to conquer and how to conquer. Unless we re-learn that, insanity is inevitable. Please see Mahaveer Bhosale immediately.

*************

Good afternoon, gentlemen. Welcome to my humble abode. Please take a seat. Would you like to have something? Tea, coffee, paid advice…?

Meenaxi welcomed Veer and Krish with a charming smile as they stepped into the room. Although the room was at her residence, she considered it her office. Meenaxi was sitting comfortably in her chair by the window. Veer had tried to reason with Krish almost all night that this was a bad idea. But whenever it was about Meenaxi, Krish was like a man blinded by the cupid, who seemed to have gouged his eyes out with those pointy heart-shaped arrowheads. He followed her advice ignoring the eventuality of any disastrous logical consequences that could be derived by a six-year old weighing the alternatives.

No beverages please, Meenaxi. Thanks! replied Veer politely.

Good! So paid advice it is. Ask!! Meenaxi was always to the point in a professional setup. Who would believe that this lady could speak pointlessly for hours in every other setup?

Krish was of the opinion that I should see you about the report that you made for him because he has some problems for which he approached you, his psychologist and closest confidant Veer laid out the situation.

And what is your opinion? Meenaxi inquired.

I think I shouldn’t be involved in what seems like a domestic matter between two fine people I know replied Veer bluntly.

It is far from being a domestic matter, Veer. In fact, it is an international matter quipped Meenaxi in all seriousness.

Meenaxi switched on a large holographic display on the wall and made a gesture to open the Saved News section. It was flooded with news that Veer had stopped reading months ago.

Did you read about Joy Williams? Meenaxi asked.

I am sure it must be good. The kid is brilliant. You know I don’t read news. Why do people read news anyway? Are we not depressed enough already? Veer spoke in an irritated tone.

Joy was awarded as the best upcoming Under-19 batsman last year by International Cricket Union. He was to play for England this year. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make his debut. He was found dead in his apartment last Sunday. Possible suicide but left no note Meenaxi broke the news.

Veer was thoroughly shaken by the news.

How is that possible!? He was such a good kid. He had tried reaching me a few weeks back…he kept texting me until a week ago…

Veer could not finish the sentence as his voice choked with emotions. He quickly took out his handy and searched for the messages Joy had been sending him. Of all the unread messages, he opened the last video message from Joy. Joy was looking visibly happy in the video and said "Hi Veer. I still am a believer. We can do it and I have the key hidden with me. Please get back to me!"

Meenaxi offered Veer a glass of water and gave him some time to recover. However, Veer continued to reel under the shocking news. The message only added to his woes as he realized that now he would never know what Joy wanted to tell him through such a cryptic message. Joy had only asked Veer to contact him back as his last wish. Remorse filled Veer’s heart as he realized he can never get back to him again. But how was he to know that it would be his last wish? If only we could listen to people when they are alive, we would do ourselves the biggest favor of our lives! Krish seemed to know of the news already. After enough time had passed, Meenaxi spoke.

I think the boy only wanted to play Cricket more than anything else. Some people just cannot live without the game. I know a few people in this room who share the exact same personality trait Meenaxi spoke as she gave both Veer and Krish a cold stare.

Surely you don’t think I or Krish would kill ourselves soon, do you? Veer asked.

I am not implying that Meenaxi explained. What I am saying is, you both have killed yourselves already...deep inside. Look at you. You used to be the people that other people wanted to emulate. You delighted them, inspired them. Made them believe...

Meenaxi! Veer exclaimed with evident frustration. Let me tell you this straight. We did not choose to be in this position. Given a chance, we would still be happy to become the people we used to be. But who will give us a chance? You know what happened. Everyone knows! We are failures. Massive failures and that’s what the whole world know about us now

Although Veer’s dejection was not hidden in the outburst, he maintained decorum.

I know what has happened Meenaxi said. The world knows what has happened. But I also know what could happen, if only you showed a fraction of will that you so elegantly put on display during those tough matches back in the days...

He is here! the Personal Assistant Device on Meenaxi’s table interrupted.

Good! Bang on time. Please show him where we are she requested the device.

Okay. I guess we will have to leave now, Meens Krish spoke as he began getting up along with Veer. Your next visitor is here, so we will see you later. It’s always a joy listening to you...and seeing you too, of course

Sit down, Krish. Your doctor is here Meenaxi calmly signaled both to remain seated.

More doctors? Exactly what I needed Veer mumbled as he sat down.

As the door opened, a drone entered the room signing off an apparently long conversation.

Welcome again and good-bye, sir!

The drone was followed in the room by a monk in yellow robes, who thanked the drone with folded hands and a warm smile. The drone left.

I can’t believe it’s you! Veer got up astonished and visibly delighted. I haven’t seen you in years!

And whose fault is that? the monk smiled.

They hugged like long lost brothers.

I figured he was the only one who would make sense to you, now that none of us are able to get through your thick skull anymore Meenaxi explained the presence of the monk. How is Dharamshala, Ananda?

Just as it should be now, Meenaxi he replied.

Makes sense she gave a wry smile.

My friend, Veer. Meenaxi tells me you are having some troubles. What did you do now? Anand asked jokingly.

My friend replied Veer. You have helped me in the past, but this is different. This is not something in my mind that can be counselled…

Wait a minute… Krish interrupted. you have been seeking help from a shrink? And you keep mocking me for seeking help from Meenaxi all the time!

Firstly, Ananda is not a shrink Veer explained, "and secondly, I don’t mock you for seeking help from Meenaxi. It is the kind of help you seek from her...anyway, that is not important. Anand here actually helped me when I was not making runs and was struggling with my form"

How did a monk help you score runs? Krish inquired.

Anand used to play Cricket during his school days and understands the intricacies of the game. He has a unique perspective of the game Veer explained.

But you would still agree, Veer. The flaw in your game was more of a flaw in your perspective. All I did was rectified your perspective and you were back at doing what you used to do before your perspective was corrupted Ananda pointed out.

That is true, Ananda Veer admitted and sighed. I just feel like a total failure, Ananda

Buddha says, the only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows Ananda replied. And we all know what you are at your best, dear Veer. Even if you have forgotten it yourself!

Veer’s face lit up as Ananda attempted to cheer him up. Ananda always managed to soothe him with his words of wisdom.

So, what is it now? It could well be another flawed perspective... Ananda trailed off waiting for Veer to open up.

Okay, fine Veer began. There are these bunch of…

Not like this Ananda interrupted. I know what happened already. I have heard about it. I want to know how you perceived it as it was happening. Tell me from the beginning. Just the way it unfolded

*************

"Ramanathan has absolutely smashed the ball out of

the ground...it’s a six...India win their 19th consecutive One-Day match and truly seem unstoppable...this is the team

to beat…"

The euphoria in the voice of the commentator was unmistakable. India did seem to win everything they played. They seemed invincible in every format of the game. Victory was like a permanent member of their team, dancing in their dressing room after every match. It rarely showed up in the opposition’s dressing room, not even for an informal greeting. As the wild dancing of the victorious Indian team continued in the Indian dressing room, the Indian coach signaled Veer to see him outside the room.

Veer, the President of our Board wants you to get ready. He is taking you out for dinner tonight with one of the sponsors the coach said.

Who is the sponsor? Veer asked.

I don’t know the coach replied and laughed. They all look like currency symbols to me

Veer laughed and went back into the dressing room to get ready. He knew that neither he nor the Board could refuse a sponsor’s request.

Veer, please meet Mr. John McCarthy, Owner and M.D. of RoboPlay Mr. Natwar Babu, the President of the India Board, made the introductions. It was a very quiet and classy restaurant. Expensive art structures and paintings adorned every nook and corner giving it a rich look. Veer found it uncomfortable dining at such restaurants. He would rather eat at a local joint that served cheap dishes. But John McCarthy seemed like someone who could afford such places, even if the place itself was up for sale.

And there is no need to tell me who this fine gentleman is, Mr. Babu. It is my honor to be dining with you, Mr. Bhosale

John McCarthy spoke in a soft and polite tone. He was a young, elegant and polished man with an impeccable dressing sense. He couldn’t have been older than Veer himself. He spoke in a tone that was calm yet confident. His face seemed to be carved out for professions such as movies or modelling and his influential voice could sell a purchased ice-cream back to the ice-cream seller, after it had melted.

The pleasure is all mine, sir Veer replied.

"Please. Call me John. We are practically the same age John spoke as he swirled the wine glass and smelled the aroma. Your team does look invincible, doesn’t it?"

We try our best and give our best, John Veer replied. I wouldn’t call ourselves invincible, but we will get there

I was thinking, all your team does is play with other teams who are always less prepared than you are. I think what you guys really need is a good challenge. Don’t you think? John put a morsel in his mouth with a fork and started chewing with his mouth closed and his eyes fixated on Veer. It was evident that he needed an answer to his question.

We are enjoying the challenges we are facing now Veer responded.

John did not say a word or made any facial acknowledgement of Veer’s response. He continued to chew and only spoke when he finished chewing his food.

I have been in discussion with all the Cricket Boards around the world. They seem to believe that beating your team is the ultimate challenge for them. That is what drives them. I was wondering...what drives you? John looked deep into Veer’s eyes.

Living up to that reputation, I guess. Winning, in itself, is a motivation Veer replied.

You, Mr. Bhosale, are just like me John began eating again.

"Please call me Veer. We are practically the same age. And that’s not true, John. We are not alike. I am a lot of million bucks short" Veer remarked.

Billion! Natwar Babu corrected Veer.

John gave a crooked smile, careful enough to continue chewing without opening his mouth.

We both love challenges, Veer. We both want to win at any cost. Winning is the drug that we both are addicted to. But without a good fight, this drug has got no kick to it. Do you understand what I mean? John asked.

"I don’t think so, John. But that could be perhaps because I have