"It's the World Cup Finals everyone. And India has to chase down 351 in 50 overs. Earlier Jadeja took a 5 wicket haul and helped to restrict the opponent to 350. With the impressive batting line up India has, the target is achievable but history has not been in favour of India much when it comes to knock out. Let's see what the Future holds"

Ravi Shastri the commentator spoke in the mic.

The Indian openers were all ready at the boundary line.

Ravi: We can see the Indian Openers near the boundary line all ready to go inside to chase the target and as I am saying this, The umpires asked No 1 & No 45 to come inside. Ladis and Gentleman, It's the world cup final and we are about to start. No 45 at the strike.

As the Indian innings started, the openers did give their best. They both stitched the partnership carefully. Leaving or respecting the good balls and hitting the loose balls. The batting conditions were not in their favour for first 10 overs and if India has lost the wicket, it would be difficult as it would be tough for new  player to set. But the openers did well and scored 50 runs in first 10 overs.

Ravi: Now India need 301 runs in 40 overs. They did right by staying calm but now the run rate needs to be increased.

And it looked like the players heard him and they now started targeting the bowlers.

Ravi: It's seriously one of the best approach and a classic approach by the Indian openers. And why not when you have Klassy Batter KLR Jersey No 1 in the middle and The 6 Hitting machine Jersey no 45.

Jatin Sapru another commentator joined him.

Jatin: Yes Ravi bhai. And look at their faces. There is no pressure of final. Specially look at KLR. As expected the Poker face is all on.

Ravi: Exactly. It's the flick from KLR and it's a boundary. What a way to reach the Half Century. Both the players hugged each other and KLR is being applauded by everyone specially the Captain.. VK.. Next ball and a single is taken And now It's the end of 15 overs and India at 86/0

Jatin: Ladies and Gentlemen it's start of the 16th over. First ball is bowled and KLR goes down the ground. It went too high and should be taken and it's taken. KLR has to depart at 51.

Ravi: And now the captain.. the skipper.. Jersey no 18 .. The VK is in the middle. We can see VK and Sharma talking something and fist bumped.. must have talked about how they will be celebrating the retirement..

Jatin: Hahaha.. Well if jersey no 18 & 45 are on the ground, you can expect these things

The partnership between VK and Sharma was going good. Both of them showing why they are being called the destroyers and why they own the maximum number of heighest partnerships.

Ravi: It's 20th over's last ball and here it is The Sharma Special Pull Shot and it's a Six and with this it's 50 for Sharma. As usual Kohli jumping and celebrating more than the player who got half century.

Jatin: It's the end of 20 overs and India are at 120/1. Now India need 231 runs in 30 overs. But with Sharma and Kohli stitching the partnership and India still having Rahane, Dhoni, Jadeja and Ashwin have all the chances but we need to increase the current run rate.

But as usual As Sharma reached 50 Runs mark, the ball also started reaching the boundary lines more often. And Kohli on the other side was fully enjoying the innings and shots giving all animated expressions as usual. And in this Sharma special hitting, the opposition team which was none other than Australia didn't realise when Kohli scored the half century and was building the innings towards yet another 100.

Ravi: So it's the end of 30 overs and India is at 190/1. India need 161 runs in 20 overs. And it's another 100+ partnership between Sharma - Kohli duo.

Jatin: Ravi bhai It's now a T20 game when you need to score 161 runs and you have 9 wickets in hand. Players now-a-days are habituated to this as the amount of T20 cricket they play is high.

Australia is a very dangerous opponent and they proved it with two tight overs. India could manage to get only 10 runs from those overs. So at the end of 32 overs, India was at 200/1. Sharma with 74 runs and Kohli with 75 runs are playing. Still the target was far. One of them has to be there in the middle till 45th over.

Ravi: It's the start of 33rd over and Sharma hits a 6 on the first ball itself. What a magnificent six it was. Next ball and it's again gone for six. Oh my God.. Oh my God.. What a class this player has.

Jatin: It's the third ball of the over and it's again 6.. straight hit.. above the bowler. Sharma is at 92 now. Next ball and it went for 4. Sharma is at 96 now. Ravi bhai.. Are we getting the century in this over itself?

Ravi: Absolutely.. Here is the next ball and Sharma pulls it off for 4 and it's the century by Sharma. The entire dressing room.. the crowd all are giving standing ovation

Jatin: And look at Kohli.. the skipper bowing down to the centurian. Next ball and it went for 6. Sharma took 32 runs from that over and India are at 232/1 after 33 overs. India need 119 runs from 17 overs

Ravi: Australia has brought back Johnson. And it's a body line bowling is started being bowled by the expert in it. Three balls have been bowled and players have just taken 3 singles. It's fourth ball and Kohli tried to hit the boundary but eventually got a single only. Sharma too got a single in fifth ball. The last ball of the 34th over, Johnson bowled a nasty bouncer to Kohli and Oh God.. it hit straight to the head.

Ravi's voice got choked. Jatin and he both stood up at their places. The other English commentators were saying whereas these two were just looking at the ground worriedly. Physio was in the middle, the concussion test was going on. Everyone from the Indian Dressing Room was out now and were looking at the middle with worried faces. Anushka Sharma was seen praying to God with tears falling from her eyes.

Physio: Take rest for a while

Kohli: No chance.

Physio: You are still quite disoriented. The blow was nasty

Kohli: If you are Kohli, nasty things are meant to be happened with you.

Physio: But..

Sharma: Panjabi hai Doc.. Aur Panjabi log aise blows kha kha ke hi bade hote hai. Isse zyada takleef to tab hoti hai jab Panjabi Papa dantate hai

Kohli: Exactly.. that's nothing. And don't say anything related to disorientation in the dressing room.

Physio sighed at the admant person standing in front of him but nonetheless agreed and went back.

Sharma helped Kohli got up. Johnson passed by them.

Johnson (mocking): Was Too fast for you buddy??

Next over was of Starc and Sharma was on strike. They took 3 singles not wanting Kohli to get more exhausted. Slight Disorientation was still there and Kohli was getting glares from the entire dressing room except from one person but it's final and how can you expect any player who is set against Australia in the world cup final went back to dressing room when the conditions are still not that much batting friendly for new comers. So all the glares were ignored royally.

Ravi: It's 37th over and Sharma is on strike. India is at 250/1 and need 101 runs in 13 overs. The first ball of the over and Sharma hits it towards mid wicket and started running but Kohli denied instantly. Sharma turned and went back but got slipped and before the bat crossed the line, the fielder threw the ball to wicket keeper and the Bells are off. Sharma run out. Kohli is shouting in frustration.

All were expecting a Sharma - Kohli Run out special fight but Sharma came to Kohli and hugged.

Sharma: You have to stay. You can and you will do this. The retirement celebration must be the way we want okay

Kohli took some deep breaths and calmed down. They broke the hug and Kohli nodded in yes to Sharma whereas Sharma patted Kohli's head twice and left from there. While going towards dressing room, Sharma and Dhoni met.

Ravi: It was unexpected as Dhoni was playing at Number 6 or 7. But today, it's Dhoni before Rahane, Jadeja and Ashwin.

Dhoni: Mausam kaisa hai?

Sharma: Nervous but calm. Disorientation but focus.

Dhoni nodded in yes and went to the pitch.

Ravi: And here it comes.. The player of the moment.. Dhoni..

Dhoni and Kohli first hugged each other and then fist bumped.

Dhoni: Let's stitch the partnership. Let's take it deep

Kohli nodded in yes. They started taking singles and doubles. Australia felt like they were back in the game but little did they know that it was a typical Dhoni - Kohli thing to take 7-9 runs just by running between the wickets.

Ravi: It's 40 overs and India is at 270/2 . India need 81 runs from 10 overs. And Johnson is back into the attack with Kohli at strike.

Kohli looked at the dressing room to a particular person, the person just blinked. Kohli and Dhoni passed that over with Singles and doubles but took 8 runs. Now India is at 278/2 after 41 overs.

In the next over, Dhoni and Kohli again took 8 runs with their running between the wickets.

Ravi: Australia need to stop these singles and doubles. They might not have realised it yet but Indians are taking 8 runs per over just with their fabulous running between the wickets. It's 286/2 after 42 overs. Now India need 65 runs from 8 overs.

Jatin: India is taking into deep. And it's not a good thing for Australia. It's 45 overs and India are at 294/2. Yes it looks like India need many runs but look at the players playing in the middle. Kohli playing at 95 and Dhoni at 32. The key has been their running. And it's more Dhoni who has run tows more than singles. And on the other side Kohli supporting. A typical classic Kohli - Dhoni partnership is going on.

Ravi: Johnson to bowl the over.

Kohli again looked at the dressing room to a specific person, the person just slightly moved the neck indicating that's the time.

Ravi: First ball and it's a 6. It's 300 for India and another century for the skipper. It's 80th century for Kohli in One day internationals.

Johnson was passing by Kohli.

Kohli (cheekily smiling): Was that too fast for you??

Johnson went to ball the next bowl.

Jatin: It's 4. India 304 runs after 45.2 overs. Next ball and it's a 6. India 310 after 45.3 overs. Next ball and a single. India 311. Next ball and it's another single. India 312/2. Last ball of the over. Kohli is on the strike. Kohli goes down the ground.. Kohli goes out of the ground. It's a 6 . India took 24 runs from that over of Johnson. India 318/2 after 46 overs. India need 33 runs in 3 overs.

Next over had 6 singles only.

Ravi: It's 48th over. India is at 324/2 and need 27 runs in 3 overs. Kohli at the strike. First ball of the over and it's single. Kohli at 118* and Dhoni at 36*. India 325/2. Next ball and Dhoni is at strike. It's a 4. India nearing to the target. India is at 329 and Dhoni at 40*. Next ball and it's a 4 once again. This time straight drive. India 333 and Dhoni 44. . Next ball and it's a single. Dhoni on 45, Kohli on 118, India at 334 after 48.4 overs. Next ball single taken. Kohli 119, Dhoni 45, India 335. Next ball and it's a dot ball. India 335/2 after 48 overs. 16 runs needed from 12 balls.

Jatin: Kohli on strike and it's Johnson again. First ball and it went for 6. India 341. Kohli 125*. 10 needed from 11 balls. Next ball dot ball. Johnson bowled the next ball and Kohli took a single. Kohli 126*, Dhoni 45* and India 342 in 48.3 overs. 9 balls and 9 runs.

Dhoni looked at Kohli who just smiled. All said and done. It's time for action.

Ravi: Next ball and Dhoni hits a 4. India is at 346 and need only 5 runs to win from 8 balls. Some fielding changes are being made.

Kohli: Helicopter.. helicopter..

Dressing room: Helicopter.. helicopter..

Seeing them, even crowd joined and why not it was a home world cup for India.

Crowd: Helicopter.. helicopter

Ravi: Johnson bowls the next ball and It's a helicopter shot. It's a 6. Dhoni finishes off in style. India lift the world cup.

Ravi and Jatin shed tears. They knew how much this was important for the team.

At ground, as soon as the Winning shot was hit, Kohli sat on the ground punching it while crying. The team members ran to Dhoni and Kohli. The coaches were in dressing room hugging each other. The fire crackers were being burst into the entire country and at the ground.. One by One everyone came to the ground and hugged each other happily. They had group hugs too.

Certain Sharma Kohli duo were jumping while hugging and shouting "WE DID IT" 

Again all hugged them except one person who was sitting on the knees at ground face upwards towards the sky with closed eyes. Kohli reached to that player and the most awaited hug was initiated. The KLR - Kohli hug. As usual KLR's face was hidden in the hug protectively by Kohli and the former was shedding happy tears.

Jatin: Aisa.. aisa pehli baar hua hai ki Bharat me World cup hua hai.. Bharat jeeta hai lekin khiladi.. support staff.. commentators ke sath sath if we look at the crowd, 70% people are crying.

Ravi: Aur yeh baat.. main.. main daave se keh sakta hoon Jatin ki.. yeh log jo ro rahe hai na Aaj.. phir chahe yaha ho ghar pe ho kahi bhi ho.. usme se woh bhi hai jinhone inko toda tha ek time pe..

Jatin nodded in yes. He wiped his own tears.

Jatin: We won... Ravi bhai..

They both hugged each other.

Presentation Ceremony

Ravi: Player of the Match is Jadeja.. for the magnificent bowling spell with a 5 wicket haul in world cup final

Jadeja collected the award and came for Interview.

Ravi: Congratulations Jadeja for the award and for the win as well

Jadeja: Thank you so much and congratulations to you too for the win

Ravi: Thank you. While bowling when the runs were being conceded, have you ever felt that you guys are going behind in the game?

Jadeja: Never. We knew the pitch was batting friendly in the first innings. So for us it was important to bowl in the right area. And we did the same. And it resulted positively as we were able to restrict them in 350

Ravi: Personally, what does this matter?

Jadeja: Well this was my last ODI playing for India and I am happy that I was able to contribute in team's interest.

Ravi: Once again Congratulations

Jadeja: Thanks, Cheers!!

Ravi: Ladies and Gentlemen.. put your hands together for Player of the Tournament.. And it's for the first time that we have a Wicket Keeper who is Winning this award.. Please welcome KLR.. Only wicket keeper in the single edition of the world cup with 25 catches, 10 stumpings, 500 runs.. What a performance

KLR received the award and came forward.

Ravi: How does it feel?

KLR: Out of the world I guess

Ravi: You had an incredible tournament. Have you ever thought of doing this or performing this well?

KLR: Well I just enjoyed my game. My father always says that as far as you enjoy your game, it will help you to contribute more than your capacity in the interest of the team. And I just did that. I don't believe in stats. But if you are doing something for your country and with that personal milestones are being achieved, I would definitely don't mind that

Ravi and KLR both chuckled.

Ravi: We saw you on your knees after the victory. I think I know the reason but for the audience, was that a release of the pant up emotions since ODI world cup 2023 ? Was it a redemption?

KLR: Of course It is. There is no doubt about it. You have seen who is making me practicing wicket keeping.. This question should not even arrive

Ravi patted the head of the player lovingly before allowing the player to go.

Ravi took the IV of loosing captain.

Ravi: Now.. it's time to welcome the Winning Captain..

Crowd cheered and so as the team.

Ravi: The One and Only.. Jersey No 18..

Crowd: Kohli.. Kohli.. Kohli..

Kohli came forward and hugged Ravi first who patted Kohli's head.

Ravi: Firstly congratulations

Kohli: Thank you and congratulations to you too.

Ravi: What was going on your mind in the innings break?

Kohli: Our bowlers have done fantastic job. They have literally given 50 less runs as the pitch was that good in the first innings. I just said the team that now it's our time to show the world that why India is special.. Why the Indian Crowd cheers this much for us. Everyone who has supported us till date, they deserve this trophy more than anyone of us so.. we were just looking into giving our best

Ravi: Once again You and Sharma had a 100+ runs partnership and once again there was a Run out

Kohli chuckled

Ravi: Kab sudhroge yaar

Kohli: Sudhar jaye woh Sharma Kohli duo nahi 😁😁

Ravi: But this time the reaction was different

Kohli: Because it's final. We were not playing for any individual milestones. The intent was to keep the score board ticking when that run out happened. It was unfortunate though. Because anyone can slip. It was no one's fault that it happened.

Ravi: How are you? The concussion effect..

Kohli: Oh I am fine. Yes was a bit disoriented for a while during the game due to blow but I am fine

Ravi: You got your 80th hundred. Anything you want to say about it?

Kohli: Nothing.. I am just thanking God and Elders for the blessings which helps me in performing in team's interest

Ravi: One last question.. You have been actually asked this question in all Press conferences since the time Works Cup squad was announced but you have always laughed it out. Here I am again asking the same question.. The way team played in this World Cup reminds everyone of 2023. Is this world cup personal? Is it personal?

Tears fell from Kohli's eyes. The rest of the team members were in same situation hearing the question.

Kohli: As the tournament is over now, I'll answer this question. Even if we have lost it, I would answer this question so telling you all ahead don't consider the answer is connected to victory only.

Ravi: Of course.. And the answer is..

Kohli: So the answer is A BIG YES. Of course it is personal. We as a team and I as a player wanted to win this trophy. We wanted to win it for the support we have got.. the unconditional love we have got. We wanted to heal the wound of 2023. And with all that, We wanted to give the deserved farewell to Jersey no 7 & 8. The best finisher , The best Wicket Keeper batter, The Best all-rounder.. They deserve this farewell. Winning this trophy was my father's dream and it broke a lot of times. I don't remember everything as I was too young but I have seen the pictures.. clips.. And the pain.. the helplessness of not being able to win the World Cup as a Captain.. People remember the captain who won the ICC tournament but none remember the captain who worked hard to set the standard to be the team physically and mentally strong enough to fight back. No doubt the others who have won the tournament did a fabulous job leading the team, there is no doubt about it. But it does not allow anyone to say that just because Jersey no 18 is not having any ICC trophy as a captain, he should be considered as a failed captain. If that captain is a failed one, your team should not have 3 test maces. And to all who said that expressing emotions.. specially aggression on the field does not win you the cup, Here I am.. expressing my agression and winning the World Cup too as a leader.. Jersey no 18 who shows agression on field has World Cup.

All clapped hard. Sharma came to Kohli and hugged tightly. The emotions were mutual. Both knew the pain their fathers have gone through. They broke the hug.

Kohli: And we wanted to give this gift to our two favourite commentators too. You and Jatin sir. You guys have supported us a lot and today was your last match as well as commentators. Ravi sir has specially came on request but it was only for once so this one's for you both too.

Ravi & Jatin: Thank you so much bachcha.

Kohli: Now keeping all the formalities aside, please repeat your winning moment lines. I want to hear them from you Dadu.

Ravi: Well anything for you my princess. So When the last shot was played, I said the same thing which you always wanted to listen.

"Dhoni finishes off in style. India wins the World Cup"

All clapped hard.

The winning captain was asked to receive the World Cup trophy.

Ravi: Ladies and Gentlemen.. put your hands together for India.. ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Champions

Kohli collected the trophy and they danced. Then Vamika Kohli and Samaira Sharma went to Ziva Dhoni and they picked her on their shoulders and started off with lap of honour. KL Rahul Ramya and Arya Rahane picked up Nidhyana Jadeja on their shoulders and joined the lap of honour.

The head coach M S Dhoni, Mentor Rohit Sharma, Batting Coach Virat Kohli, Wicket Keeping Coach K L Rahul, Fielding Coach Ravindra Jadeja - all were still sinking in the feeling.. they were happy that India won.. they were proud fathers that their daughters did what they have dreamt of.. winning the world cup in front of Home Crowd specially for those who have played 2023 World Cup.

RohiRat looked at each other and nodded. They both picked their Mahi Bhai on their shoulders and joined the lap of honour and why not it was the last tournament of Mahi as a Head Coach. They soon reached where the girls were. Now Sharmas and Kohlis were carrying Dhonis on their shoulders. The press took their pictures and everyone knew those are going to break internet for sure.

Once the lap of honour was done, the girls hugged their respective fathers and Chachus.

Jatin asked Ziva for IV.

Jatin: Ziva.. signing off as a world champion. How does it sound?

Ziva: Well sounds great. But as everyone knew that it could have been any knock out game I mean, yes I am fortunate enough that I am signing off as a world champion but it could have been otherwise too if we have not played well

Jatin: You copied the helicopter shot of your father. Tell us about it.

Ziva: I have learnt it from the best. So thought to use it as my last ODI shot

Jatin: Your thoughts on team

Ziva: We as a team is responsible to carry forward the legacy our fathers have started. And we are glad that we are able to at least deliver 10% of what they have done for the country and Indian Cricket

Jatin: Thank you Ziva for all the beautiful memories and wishing you A Very Happy Retirement

Ziva: Wishing you the same Jatin uncle

Jatin: Sammy boo

Sammy: Yup Jatin uncle

Jatin: Can't believe you are still the same little girl whom Rohit used to always carry in his arms

Sammy chuckled

Jatin: How does it feel to get inside your father's shoes?

Sammy: It feels great but It's not easy to be someone like Rohit Sharma

Jatin: Rohit as father or Rohit as mentor. Who can give you a hard time?

Sammy: Of course as a Mentor. Dada and Sammy are in same team but Mentor Rohit Sharma and player Samaira Sharma always clashes as I am a bit clumsy and lazy you know.. by the it's my Dada's traits only 😁

Jatin: Congratulations and enjoy

Sammy: Thank you so much

Vamika came to Virat with the trophy. She gave it to him. Virat took it and was just looking at it.

Vamika: This one's for you and  Dadu

Virat hugged her tightly. The father daughter duo Shed the tears.. tears of relief. Rest all too joined them and made it a group hug as usual. Indeed it was Redemption for all.

The screen freezes with the picture of the entire ICT, Coaches and rest support staff posing together with the World Cup Trophy 🏆

......................................................................

Kindly note that this was a work of fiction and I do not have Hard feelings for any player. It's just that just because Virat as a captain have not won any ICC trophy, people have conveniently forgotten what he has done as a Captain for The Indian Cricket.

It was just my take on his Redemption

Kindly share your feedback

Thanks