𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

After a particularly thrilling victory for the Indian cricket team, the post-match atmosphere was charged with excitement. Shubman Gill, having played a crucial role in the win, joined Mithra Jagadeesh for a live interview. The setting was serious, with cameras focused on them, but the mischievous glint in their eyes hinted at the camaraderie beneath the surface.

Mithra, holding the microphone, started the interview with professionalism, "Shubman, outstanding performance today. How did it feel to be out there, contributing to the team's success?"

Shubman, with a playful smile, responded, "Oh, it was electrifying! The crowd, the atmosphere, everything was just perfect."

As Mithra continued to delve into the technical aspects of the match, Shubman couldn't resist injecting a dose of humor into the interview. He leaned closer to Mithra and whispered, "You know, Mithra, I think I spotted a fan in the stands holding a banner that said, 'Shubman, will you be my cricket partner?' What do you think?"

Mithra, trying to maintain her composure, chuckled, "Well, Shubman, you do have quite a fan following. But I think they're more interested in your cover drives than in forming cricket partnerships."

The banter between them continued, with Shubman pretending to be serious while slipping in witty remarks. Mithra, adept at handling such antics, played along with a smile. The live interview became a platform for their friendly exchange, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the serious post-match analysis.

At one point, Mithra shifted the focus to the upcoming fixtures, asking Shubman about the team's strategy. Shubman, ever the prankster, responded with a mock-serious tone, "Well, Mithra, you see, our strategy involves a secret weapon – a magical cricket ball that confuses the opponents and makes them dance to our tunes. But shh, don't tell anyone."

Mithra burst into laughter, "Ah, the legendary magical cricket ball strategy! I'm sure the opposing teams will be scratching their heads trying to figure that one out."

The live interview continued with the duo effortlessly blending cricket analysis with playful banter. Shubman, having successfully lightened the mood, turned the tables by asking Mithra about her thoughts on the team's performance.

"Alright, Mithra, spill the beans. What's your take on our victory today?" Shubman grinned, putting Mithra in the spotlight.

Mithra, with a theatrical expression, replied, "Well, Shubman, I believe the secret to your success lies in your choice of breakfast. I heard you had an extra scoop of cereal today, and that clearly made all the difference."

Shubman feigned shock, "Cereal? How did you find out about my secret weapon? I thought I had that under wraps!"

The banter continued, each comment drawing laughter from the crowd and the viewers tuning in. The live interview, initially a platform for serious discussions, had transformed into a delightful exchange of humour between the childhood friends.

As the interview concluded, Shubman and Mithra exchanged smiles, knowing that their playful banter had added an extra layer of entertainment to the post-match proceedings. 

One day in the bustling atmosphere of the cricket stadium, with the anticipation of an upcoming match filling the air, Shubman Gill found himself in the Indian team's dressing room. The tension and excitement were palpable as the match was set to begin in just ten minutes. Shubman, clad in his cricket gear, was quietly preparing for the game, surrounded by the focused energy of his teammates.

As Shubman checked his equipment, he couldn't help but steal a moment to glance at a small photo tucked into the folds of his wallet. The photograph captured a candid moment with Mithra Jagadeesh during one of their off-screen conversations. A genuine smile adorned both their faces, freezing a moment in time that held a special place in Shubman's heart.

Just as Shubman closed the wallet and tucked it back into his kit bag, Virat Kohli who had entered the room to grab a bottle of water observed the subtle shift in his demeanor. Virat, always attuned to the dynamics within the team, approached Shubman with a teasing grin.

"Ah, Shubman, what's got you smiling like that?" Virat inquired, his eyes flickering to the wallet.

Shubman, momentarily caught off guard, looked up and chuckled, "Oh, nothing, Virat. Just a little something to keep the nerves in check before the match."

Virat, never one to miss an opportunity for banter, raised an eyebrow, "A little something, eh? Let me guess, a lucky charm?"

Shubman hesitated for a moment before deciding to share a glimpse of the truth, "Well, sort of. It's a photo. A picture that brings back good memories."

Virat's grin widened, "A photo, huh? Let me see." He extended his hand, gesturing for Shubman to show him the picture. Shubman obliged, pulling out the wallet and revealing the photograph. Virat studied it for a moment before his eyes flicked between the picture and Shubman.

"Ah, Shubman, you sly fox! Is this the reason behind that cheeky smile?" Virat teased, nudging Shubman playfully.

Shubman, feeling a blush creeping up his cheeks, chuckled nervously, "Well, Virat, you caught me. We've been friends for ages, and this picture just captures a fun moment we shared."

Virat, with an amused glint in his eyes, continued the banter, "Friends, you say? I've seen that look before, my friend. Spill the beans, Shubman. Is there more to this friendship than meets the eye?"

Shubman sighed, realizing there was no escaping Virat's playful interrogation. "Alright, Virat, you got me. I really like Mithra. She's an amazing person, and our friendship means a lot to me."

Virat, still grinning, clapped Shubman on the back, "Well, well, looks like the boy has a soft spot. Don't worry, Shubman, your secret is safe with me. Just focus on the match, and who knows, maybe one day you'll have more than just a photo to keep you company."

As the two teammates shared a laugh, the countdown to the match continued, and Shubman, with a mix of nerves and a newfound realization, prepared to step onto the field. Little did he know that the playful exchange with Virat would mark the beginning of a chapter that added a touch of romance to the world of cricket, with Mithra Jagadeesh occupying a special place in Shubman's heart, both on and off the field.