Chapter 42: Season 2: Chapter 41 : Preparation for IPL
After securing a staggering IPL contract worth 7 crores, a rush of exhilaration and nervousness swept over me. Joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team meant being surrounded by a constellation of star players such as Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB Devilliers, and Mitchell Starc. Even the slightest appreciation from these legends for my performances could provide a significant boost from the franchise. The IPL teams, in general, have a tendency to support and back talented players, even if they face setbacks along the way.
Reflecting on my previous life, I had the opportunity to play for three IPL franchises: Punjab, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Although my decision to leave each franchise was a personal one, I had the honor of winning trophies with all three teams. However, my contributions to the Punjab team were relatively minimal. Nonetheless, as the temporary captain in the finals, I managed to make up for any shortcomings and played a pivotal role in our team's success.
Moving on to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the team is renowned for nurturing and developing an exceptional pace attack. Joining them as a medium-paced bowler, I found limited opportunities to showcase my skills. Nevertheless, I played a decent role in contributing to SRH's triumphant journey, leading them to lift the IPL trophy.
Now, with my new journey as a member of RCB, I was determined to unlock my full potential as an all-rounder. RCB was in dire need of a reliable batsman who could anchor the innings at number 4 and provide valuable contributions with the ball, particularly during death overs. Alongside Mitchell Starc, I aspired to fill this crucial role and make a significant impact.
However, amidst my excitement, an underlying nervousness persisted. The mere thought of playing alongside such cricketing giants unsettled me. Even though this is my second life, I was still feeling excited and emotional to play alongside these cricketing legends. But this time, I was determined to transcend my limitations and unleash my full potential. One aspect I aimed to improve was my bowling speed, which currently hovered around 120 kmph. I understood that to truly trouble the batsmen, I needed to increase my pace and unleash thunderbolts on the pitch.
With this burning desire to excel, I embarked on a rigorous training regimen. I sought guidance from experienced coaches who specialized in fast bowling techniques. They meticulously analyzed my bowling action, identified areas for improvement, and devised tailored exercises to increase my speed and strength.
Just then as I tried to start my Workout, A notification from the system after a long time popped out.
By this time I got used to daily tasks and just muted the notifications.
[Ding!!]
[Congrats Host on getting an IPL Contract]
[You will be gifted with one of the 3 skills here]
Saying so, It displayed 3 skills, which made my jaw drop.