Though it was Saturday, Anmol felt a bit grumpy, a bit left out, all thanks to the cricket match fever tightening its grip over the school. Everybody including his best friend Jasraj seemed to be thinking only of the cricket match.

He loved cricket and only his very few close friends knew that he was a walking encyclopedia of cricket. Being a shy boy, he never went for the selection matches even though he would have loved to play for the school.

When they reached where the Junior team was gathered, “Robin is down with fever, he can’t play!” Zahir dropped the bombshell.

Anmol felt somebody nudging him sideways. “Come on, Anmol. Just do it …” Jasraj whispered, as if reading his thoughts.

“I …I don’t think…” muttered Anmol. “PUT UP YOUR HAND! Or should I tell them?” Jasraj hissed threateningly.

“Can I play? I mean, will you like to try me?” Anmol blurted out, looking towards the ground. He completely avoided looking at the girls.

“OK! You are on!” said Zahir, the captain of the team reluctantly, of course.

…the playground was overflowing with excited screams, and applause. New placards were out in the crowd ‘Our new champ—Anmol’