𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

As the banter with Virat settled, Shubman refocused on the imminent match. The stadium buzzed with excitement, and the anticipation of the game ahead heightened his senses. The photograph of Mithra went back into his wallet, a silent reminder of the friendship that had now taken on a new light.

The Indian team gathered for a brief huddle, the captain's words rallying them for the battle ahead. Shubman, fueled by the camaraderie of his teammates and the newfound acknowledgement of his feelings for Mithra, stepped onto the field with renewed determination.

The match unfolded with the familiar rhythm of the game, each delivery carrying the weight of strategy and skill. Shubman's focus was unwavering as he faced the opponents, his every move a testament to the hours of practice and dedication he poured into his craft.

In the commentary box, Mithra followed the game closely. Her insightful commentary conveyed not just the technical aspects but also the emotions that played out on the field. Little did she know that the photograph in Shubman's wallet had sparked a revelation, adding an unexpected layer to their long-standing friendship.

As the innings progressed, Shubman showcased his prowess with the bat, earning applause from the crowd and admiration from fans worldwide. His elegant strokes and strategic gameplay hinted at a cricketer at the peak of his form.

In the commentary box, Mithra couldn't help but express her excitement, "Shubman Gill is truly a marvel to watch today. The way he's commanding the game is a testament to his skill and determination."

The match reached a thrilling climax, with Shubman at the forefront of the action. A crucial boundary in the final over secured victory for the Indian team. The stadium erupted in cheers, and Shubman, with a smile that mirrored the one in the photograph, soaked in the applause.

As the players exchanged handshakes and left the field, Shubman's eyes briefly met Mithra's in the commentary box. The unspoken connection lingered, a shared acknowledgement of the journey that had taken an unexpected turn.

Later, in the dressing room, Virat approached Shubman with a grin, "Well played, Shubman. Seems like the photograph did its magic."

Shubman, still catching his breath, smiled, "Maybe it did, Virat. Maybe it did."

The victory celebration continued, but amidst the cheers and camaraderie, Shubman couldn't shake the thought that perhaps there was more to explore beyond the boundaries of friendship. 

As the team gathered for the post-match conference, Shubman faced the questions from reporters with newfound ease, his mind occasionally drifting to the photograph and the unspoken feelings that now lingered in the air.

Later in the evening team gathered for a casual dinner after a day of rigorous practice. Laughter and banter filled the air as the players enjoyed their well-deserved break. Virat Kohli, ever the lively presence in the group, couldn't resist the opportunity to add a touch of mischief to the atmosphere.

Seated amidst the camaraderie, Virat raised his glass, drawing the attention of the team. "Gentlemen, I have some news to share – our very own Shubman Gill is not just a master on the cricket field; he's a man of the heart too!"

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned their gaze towards Shubman, who suddenly found himself at the centre of attention. His expression shifted from surprise to mild embarrassment, realizing that Virat was about to spill the beans about his feelings for Mithra.

Rohit Sharma, with a teasing smile, chimed in, "Oh, really now? Shubman, care to share the details? Is there a secret romance blossoming in the team?"

Shubman, feeling a mix of awkwardness and amusement, attempted to downplay the situation. "It's not like that, guys. Virat, what are you doing?"

Virat, taking in the opportunity to stir up some good-natured drama, continued, "Relax, Shubman, I'm just spreading the love. But yes, our man here has a soft spot for a special someone. Isn't that right?"

Shubman, realizing there was no escaping the playful interrogation, sighed and decided to face it head-on. "Alright, alright. I may have feelings for someone, but it's complicated. We've been friends for a long time, and I don't want things to get awkward."

The team erupted in cheers and whistles, revelling in the unexpected revelation. Virat, with a mischievous grin, added, "Well, well, ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a romantic subplot brewing in our team. Shubman, you better spill the beans to her soon before we organize a full-fledged love intervention!"

The banter continued as the players shared jokes and anecdotes, creating a light-hearted atmosphere. Shubman, while initially caught off guard, found himself surrounded by teammates who were more than eager to offer advice and share their own experiences with matters of the heart.

Jasprit Bumrah, always the pragmatic voice, quipped, "Shubman, love is like a yorker – you miss the timing, and you might regret it. Don't let this opportunity slip away."

As the dinner progressed, Shubman became the unwitting centre of the team's good-natured teasing. The revelations about his feelings had unintentionally become the highlight of the evening, and the players, in their own unique ways, offered support, encouragement, and a fair share of playful ribbing.

The playful banter continued throughout the dinner, with Shubman finding himself at the receiving end of good-natured teasing from his teammates. Rohit Sharma, known for his jovial nature, couldn't resist adding his own touch of humour to the situation.

"Shubman, my friend, the next time you're practising your cover drive, make sure it's not aimed at the heart!" Rohit chuckled, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

The rest of the team erupted in laughter, and Shubman, feeling his face grow warmer, shot a playful glare in Rohit's direction. Virat, thoroughly enjoying the scene, added fuel to the fire.

"Shubman, it looks like you've been bowled over, not by a bouncer, but by matters of the heart. We might have to start calling you 'Love-struck Gill'!" Virat proclaimed, earning more laughter from the team.

Jasprit Bumrah, with a deadpan expression, chimed in, "Careful, Shubman. If you get caught in the love trap, your batting average might take a hit!"

The jokes continued, each teammate contributing their witty remarks, and Shubman, despite his attempts to maintain composure, couldn't escape the good-humoured ribbing. Hardik Pandya, known for his charisma, decided to offer some advice.

"Shubman, my man, love is like T20 cricket – fast-paced, unpredictable, and sometimes you just have to go for the big shots! Don't be afraid to swing for the fences!"

The team fell into a fit of laughter, and Shubman, now fully embracing the lighthearted moment, couldn't help but laugh along. Deep down, he appreciated the camaraderie within the team, and the unexpected turn of events had turned the dinner into a memorable night of bonding.

As the evening progressed, the teasing gradually transformed into genuine conversations about love, relationships, and the intricacies of navigating personal feelings amidst the demands of a professional cricketing career. The senior players shared their own anecdotes, offering a blend of advice and humor.

Eventually, the dinner concluded with a round of hearty laughter and camaraderie. Shubman, still sporting a faint blush, realized that the unintentional revelation had brought the team even closer together. The support and understanding from his teammates, mixed with the humor, created an environment where Shubman felt both accepted and encouraged.

Virat, sensing the positive impact of the evening, patted Shubman on the back. "Shubman, remember, we're like a family here. Whether it's on the field or matters of the heart, we've got your back. Now, go out there and hit it out of the park, both in cricket and, well, in matters of love!"

The next day, as the team gathered for another practice session, Ishan Kishan, Shubman's best friend and known for his mischievous nature, couldn't resist adding his own dose of teasing to the mix. Ishan had caught wind of the previous night's revelry, and he was determined to make the most of the situation.

As the players warmed up on the field, Ishan sidled up to Shubman with a sly grin. "Hey, Love-struck Gill, heard you had quite the night yesterday. I hope you were taking notes on all that love advice!"

Shubman, rolling his eyes, replied, "Oh, come on, Ishan. Can't a guy have some privacy around here?"

Ishan chuckled, "Privacy? Not in this team, my friend. You've become the talk of the town, or should I say, the talk of the locker room!"

Shubman, knowing Ishan's penchant for playful banter, decided to play along. "Alright, Mr. Matchmaker, what pearls of wisdom do you have for me?"

Ishan feigned seriousness, adopting a sage-like expression. "First rule of love, Shubman – always carry a cricket bat. You never know when you might need to play a defensive shot against the arrows of Cupid!"

The two friends shared a laugh, drawing the attention of nearby players. Rohit Sharma, overhearing the conversation, couldn't resist joining in. "Shubman, my man, Ishan here seems to be the Dr. Love of our team. Better listen to his advice if you want to hit those romantic centuries!"

The banter continued throughout the practice session, with Ishan crafting imaginative scenarios involving love, cricket, and the occasional googly of romance. Shubman, appreciating the light-hearted approach, found himself grateful for the camaraderie that permeated the team.

As the day unfolded, Ishan's teasing became a constant backdrop to Shubman's activities. Whether it was mimicking cricket shots with exaggerated romantic gestures or creating fictional love-themed cricket commentary, Ishan kept the atmosphere lively and entertaining.

Later, during a break in practice, Ishan approached Shubman with a mock-serious expression. "On a serious note, Shubman, love is a partnership. Just like opening the batting, you need to find the right balance and timing."

Shubman, appreciating the genuine sentiment beneath the teasing, replied, "Thanks, Ishan. I'll keep that in mind. Now, can we focus on cricket for a bit?"Ishan, with a grin, saluted dramatically. "As you wish, Love-struck Gill. Back to the cricket grind we go!"

The practice session continued, with the banter and camaraderie infusing a light-hearted energy into the team. Shubman, despite the teasing, felt a sense of comfort knowing that the support of his friends extended beyond the cricket field. 

The evening was settling in, and after a long day of cricketing activities, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul found themselves craving some comfort food. With a spontaneous decision, they decided to check in on Mithra Jagadeesh, who was busy in her hotel room, analyzing matches and preparing for the upcoming commentary.

Armed with take-out containers from their favourite local restaurant, Ishan and KL knocked on Mithra's door. When she opened it, a mix of surprise and delight greeted them. "Hey, Mithra! We come bearing food," Ishan announced with a grin, holding up the take-out bags.

Mithra, appreciating the gesture, welcomed them inside. The hotel room transformed into an impromptu dining area, with the trio settling in for a relaxed evening. Plates were filled, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air.

As they savoured the meal, the conversation naturally veered toward cricket and the camaraderie within the team. Ishan, always the mischievous one, couldn't resist stirring the pot. "So, Mithra, spill the beans. How do you really feel about our man Shubman?"

Mithra caught off guard, tried to maintain a composed expression. "Oh, you know, he's a great player and a good friend. What's there not to like?"

KL, flashing a knowing smile, chimed in, "Come on, Mithra. We've seen the way you look at him during matches. There's more to this 'friendship' than meets the eye."

Ishan, ever the instigator, added with a teasing tone, "Are you sure it's just friendship? Or is there a bit of cricket romance brewing behind the scenes?"

Mithra, attempting to play it cool, responded, "Guys, it's not like that. We've been friends for a long time. Cricket is our common ground, and we share a mutual passion for the game."

KL, raising an eyebrow, teased, "Passion, huh? Is that what you call it? I've seen the way you cheer when he scores a century. It's like watching a romantic drama unfold."

Ishan, feigning seriousness, added, "And don't get us started on those interviews. The way you talk about Shubman's gameplay, it's almost poetic. I think you've got a case of cricket fever, Mithra."

Amidst the laughter and teasing, Mithra couldn't help but blush. She sighed, realizing that her attempts to downplay her feelings were failing miserably. "Okay, fine. Maybe there's a bit more to it. I do like him... a lot."

Ishan and KL erupted in cheers, triumphant in their playful interrogation. "We knew it!" Ishan exclaimed, giving KL a victorious high-five.

KL, with a teasing grin, added, "Looks like our cricket commentator has found her cricket crush. Who would've thought?"

Mithra, laughing along with them, rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright. You got me. But let's keep this between us, okay? Cricket and romance – scary shit."

As the laughter and banter-filled Mithra's hotel room, the door suddenly opened, revealing the smiling faces of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The unexpected guests were quick to sense the jovial atmosphere and the aroma of the delicious take-out.

Virat, with a playful grin, said, "Well, well, what do we have here? A secret cricket rendezvous?"

Rohit, joining in, added, "Looks like we stumbled upon a cricketing feast. Mind if we join, Mithra?"

Mithra, somewhat taken aback by the sudden arrival of the two cricketing stars, gestured toward the spread of food. "Of course, you're welcome! We've got plenty to share."

Virat, grabbing a seat, quipped, "Ishan, KL, what's the gossip here? Spill the beans."

Ishan, always ready for banter, responded, "Oh, we were just discussing the intricate art of cricket romance. You know, the subtle glances, the poetic commentary, the works."

KL, joining in, teased, "And Mithra here has finally confessed to having a soft spot for a certain cricketer. A certain Shubman Gill, to be precise."

Rohit, with a chuckle, said, "Ah, the plot thickens. Mithra, care to share your thoughts on this supposed cricket romance?"

Mithra, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement, admitted, "Well, I may have mentioned that I like Shubman a lot. But, guys, let's not make it a headline, okay?"

Virat, with a theatrical gasp, said, "Breaking news: Cricket commentator Mithra Jagadeesh confesses to having a soft spot for Shubman Gill! The cricket world will never be the same."

Amidst the laughter, Rohit added, "Well, Mithra, you're in good company. Cricket and romance go hand in hand. It's like the perfect cover drive – elegant, timeless, and occasionally surprising."

The impromptu dinner turned into a lively affair, with the cricketing stars and Mithra sharing stories, laughter, and of course, delicious food. The teasing continued, each player contributing their own version of cricket romance advice, blending their support and banter in a unique cricketing recipe.

As the night unfolded, the hotel room became a hub of cricketing tales, jokes, and the shared joy of good food. Mithra, Ishan, KL, Virat, and Rohit, each with their distinct personalities, found a common ground in the love for the sport that had brought them together.
As the banter and laughter continued to echo in the hotel room, Mithra, feeling the camaraderie of the group, decided to playfully turn the tables. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she looked at KL Rahul and said, "Alright, KL, we've spilled enough cricket romance secrets tonight. Now, when are you planning to bowl Athiya Shetty over with a proposal?"

The room fell momentarily silent as everyone turned their attention toward KL Rahul. Ishan, Virat, and Rohit wore cheeky smiles, clearly eager to hear his response. KL, however, tried to play it cool, though a subtle blush betrayed his attempt at nonchalance.

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair, "Oh, come on, Mithra. You can't put me on the spot like that. These things take time, you know."

Mithra, enjoying the playful moment, leaned back and teased, "Time? How much time are we talking about here? Are you waiting for the perfect century or the ideal partnership?"

Ishan, unable to contain his laughter, added, "Maybe he's waiting for a rain delay, a romantic cricket rain delay."

KL Rahul, now fully aware that he was caught in the friendly crossfire, decided to play along. "Alright, alright. You guys are relentless. Let's just say, when the time is right, you'll be the first to know."

Virat, with a theatrical sigh, said, "Ah, the suspense. KL, don't keep us waiting too long. We're all rooting for you – both on and off the field."

Rohit, with a grin, chimed in, "And make sure you consult Mithra for some expert commentary on the matter. She seems to have a keen eye for these things."

The room erupted in laughter, and KL Rahul, taking it all in stride, joined in the banter. "Fine, fine. I'll make sure to get Mithra's expert insights when the time comes. Until then, let's keep the focus on the game, shall we?"

The conversation seamlessly shifted back to cricket, with the players and Mithra sharing anecdotes, predictions, and a few more playful jabs. The camaraderie in the room remained unbroken, the banter becoming a thread that wove their stories together in the vibrant tapestry of their cricketing journey.

Mithra's phone suddenly rang, breaking the playful atmosphere in the room. As she reached for it, Ishan, with a mischievous smirk, intercepted, swiping to answer before she could protest. The room fell silent as Shubman Gill's name lit up on the screen.

Ishan, grinning, kept the call on speaker and signalled to Mithra to go ahead and speak. Everyone, including Virat, Rohit, and KL, exchanged curious glances, eager to witness the unexpected turn of events.

"Hello?" Mithra hesitated, her cheeks already turning a shade of red.

Shubman's voice came through the phone, confident and playful, "Hey, Mithra! Just checking in. How's the cricket romance discussion going in there?"

The unexpected directness of Shubman's question caught everyone off guard. Mithra, trying to regain composure, replied, "Oh, you know, just the usual banter. Nothing too serious."

Ishan, unable to resist adding his own flair to the situation, interjected, "Shubman, my man, we were just discussing the perfect timing for a romantic cricket proposal. Any thoughts on that?"

Shubman, without missing a beat, responded with a chuckle, "Well, you know, timing is crucial in both cricket and matters of the heart. Maybe I'll take a leaf out of KL's book and wait for a rain delay or something."

The room erupted in laughter, and Mithra, now thoroughly embarrassed, tried to steer the conversation away. "Alright, enough of this cricket romance talk. How's your practice going, Shubman?"

Shubman, with a teasing tone, continued, "Practice is good, but I've got more important matters to discuss. Like, when are you planning to give that victory kiss you promised?"

Mithra, caught off guard by Shubman's unexpected comment, felt her face grow even warmer as she choked on water. Ishan and the others exchanged surprised glances, realizing that the banter had taken an unexpected turn.

Trying to find her words, Mithra stammered, "Shubman, I... that was just a joke."

Shubman, with a playful laugh, replied, "Sure, sure. Just remember, I'm holding you to it. A victory kiss for every century I score. Deal?"

Mithra, still flustered, managed a nervous laugh, "We'll see about that. Anyway, I've got to go. Talk to you later, Shubman."

As the call ended, Ishan couldn't contain his amusement, bursting into laughter. The others joined in, and Mithra, her face still flushed, tried to play it off with a smile.

The room continued to resonate with laughter even after Shubman's call had ended. Ishan, thoroughly enjoying the moment, couldn't resist adding more fuel to the teasing fire.

"Well, well, Mithra, it seems like Shubman is quite eager for that victory kiss. Should we start taking bets on how many centuries he'll score this season?" Ishan teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

KL Rahul, with a sly grin, chimed in, "Ishan, my man, don't tempt fate. Shubman might just turn every match into a run-scoring spectacle just to keep that deal alive."

Virat, joining in the banter, said, "Ah, the power of cricket romance. Who knew it could be such a motivating factor on the field? Shubman, you're setting new standards here."

Rohit, with a playful smile, added, "And Mithra, you've unwittingly become the muse for centuries. Your commentary might need a disclaimer – 'May cause an increase in batting averages.'"

Ishan, still relishing the moment, playfully nudged Mithra, "You've got a tough job ahead, Mithra. Keeping up with all those interviews and potential victory kisses. The life of a cricket commentator can be quite challenging."

Mithra, now more at ease with the banter, rolled her eyes with a smile, "Alright, alright. Let's not turn this into a cricketing soap opera. Shubman knows it was just a joke."

Ishan, with a theatrical sigh, declared, "Well, Mithra, you've officially become the heartthrob of our cricketing drama. Who knew cricket and romance would intertwine in such a captivating storyline?"

As the banter and laughter gradually settled in the room, Mithra's phone buzzed again, indicating another incoming call from Shubman. Ishan, still in the mood for mischief, immediately put the call on speaker, amplifying the suspense in the room.

"Alright, let's see what Shubman has to say this time," Ishan declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Mithra, slightly apprehensive after the previous call, answered, "Hello?"

Shubman's voice came through the speaker, his tone casual and friendly, "Hey, Mithra! Sorry if I caught you at a bad time. Just wanted to continue our discussion from earlier. You know, about those victory kisses."

The room fell silent, everyone exchanging amused glances. Mithra, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement, tried to steer the conversation away, "Shubman, for fucks sake we already talked about this. It was just a joke."

Shubman, with a playful tone, continued, "I get it, I get it. But here's the thing – I was thinking, why limit it to just centuries? How about a victory kiss for every fifty I score as well? I mean, let's make it interesting."

Ishan and the others couldn't contain their laughter, realizing that Shubman was taking the banter to a whole new level. Mithra, her face turning even redder, stammered, "Shubman, that's... that's not necessary. Let's not complicate things."

Shubman, sensing Mithra's discomfort, quickly added, "Alright, alright, just kidding. You know I love pulling your leg. But on a serious note, thanks for being a good sport about it. I'll catch you later. Good luck with the commentary and all."

Before Mithra could respond, Shubman said something unexpected, a mischievous edge to his voice, "Oh, and by the way, I heard someone in the room mention 'cricketing soap opera.' If we're writing a script, let's make it a blockbuster. What do you say?"

Mithra, caught off guard by Shubman's remark, cut the call instantly, her face now an even deeper shade of red. The room erupted in laughter, with Ishan and the others thoroughly entertained by the unexpected twist.

Ishan, wiping away tears of laughter, remarked, "Shubman is on a roll tonight. Looks like our cricketing soap opera just got a spicy plot twist."

Mithra, trying to regain composure, rolled her eyes with a smile, "I don't know what you guys did to him, but I'm officially done with cricket romance for the day."