Golden Hour

My home

On the 21st of November 2023,

India faced a devastating loss in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, leaving all the team members completely disheartened.

Shubman found himself shouldering the blame for the defeat. Despite being recognized as the No. 1 ODI Cricketer, he couldn't steer India to victory in his debut World Cup.

While most of the team members were with their families or engaged in the T20 series against Australia, Shubman chose solitude. Refusing to return home, he immersed himself in relentless and grueling practice.

"Shubman beta, tabiyat kharab ho jaega," announced Rahul sir one day, unable to witness the toll Shubman's intense 11-12 hour daily practice sessions were taking on his health.

"Rahul Sir, nahi, mein thik hu," replied Shubman, resolute in rectifying his mistakes as he effortlessly hit another boundary.

"Beta, you've been dedicating 11-12 hours daily to practise. Before that you practised hard for the ODI world cup as well. Also, you haven't fully recovered from the aftermath of Dengue. Aise hi karoge toh tabiyat kharap ho jaega," warned Rahul Sir.

However, Shubman remained fixed to his practice, disregarding the caution as he missed another ball.

Rahul Sir, familiar with this scenario after lost matches, had witnessed many young players practicing tirelessly until exhaustion took its toll. Yet, he felt powerless. Stopping someone like Shubman Gill, who lived and breathed cricket, seemed impossible.

Contemplating whether to contact Rohit, he was convinced that Rohit was battling severe depression. Having played selflessly for the team, Rohit desired nothing more than victory. However, he also couldn't watch Shubman self-destruct. So, he decided to call Rohit.

"Hello Rahul Sir," answered Rohit on the first ring, his voice sounding blank.

"Hello Rohit beta, kaise ho?" inquired Rahul sir.

"Haa sir, chal raha hai," replied Rohit.

"Beta, koi nahi, cricket ek khel hai... Aisa hota rahta hai," consoled Rahul Sir.

"Ha... Accha, aapke sath Shubman hai kya? Woh call bhi pick nahi kar raha hai aur message bhi respond nahi kar raha," Rohit asked worriedly, well aware of Shubman's probable actions from his years in the cricket industry.

"Ha beta wahi... Woh roz 11-12 hr practice karta hai. Kisi se baat bhi nahi kar rha aur aaj jab meine usko bola mat karne, usne suna hi nahi," Rahul sir shared.

"Oh no..." Rohit expressed concern.

He knew Shubman wouldn't heed his advice, even if he tried. Shubman lived and breathed cricket. If he believed he wasn't well enough, he would work until he dropped dead or until he deemed himself fit.

"Rohit, please kuch karo na... I don't understand what to do," Rahul Sir said, his tone reflecting his concern.

"He won't listen to me either... Only one person can help him," Rohit acknowledged.

"Ohh haaa.. Par abhi toh un logo ka match hai," Rahul Sir noted.

"Ha... Par uske bat se hi woh manega... Aur 4th T20 toh Nagpur mein hai na," Rohit suggested.

"Haa... ruko mein dekhta hu kya kiya ja sakta hai. Thank you very much Rohit. Aur tum bhi apna khayal rakhna. Dukhi mat ho beta," Rahul sir expressed his gratitude.

"Haa sir... Thank you so much," Rohit said, thankful for his coach's assurance.

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