Through the virtual nets came Sachin Tendulkar's cool, commanding voice.
Standing tall in his signature pose, he said, "Let's talk about head position in more detail." "Batting in the modern era is much more technical than in the past. The batsman must adjust as bowlers use reverse swing, sophisticated analysis, and relentlessly target the top of off stump. Learning to play straight is essential for survival and dominance, and it starts with the head.
Arjun listened to every word while standing still.
"If you're a right-handed batsman, your outside eye, which is your right eye, should be level with the inside one—not angled towards mid-off or peeking over your nose," Sachin went on. You can see the ball clearly as it leaves the bowler's hand thanks to that one adjustment. It gives you perfect balance, helps you see clearly off-stump, and aligns your vision. Although it's a small change, it has a profound impact.
Sachin demonstrated the idea with surgical precision as he moved into his stance. With his shoulders slightly open to allow both eyes to meet the bowler's approach, he held his bat lightly behind him.
"Notice how the shoulders open up a little in the direction of the non-striker? Weight balances on the balls of the feet, knees bend, and hips follow as that alignment moves downward. This. * "This is your launchpad," he said, pausing to allow the image to sink in. Positioned. in balance. All set to go in any direction.
Arjun attempted to imitate the posture. Sachin came over and eased his position.
Sachin cautioned, "Don't mimic blindly." "A lot of young athletes place too much emphasis on raising their game and copying elite players without knowing why. However, if you raise the bat too soon, your entire body may become misaligned. You lose your engine all of a sudden as your shoulders close, your hips twist, and your weight shifts to your heels.
He gave another demonstration, this time with a relaxed and low bat.
* "Look now. gentle hands. loose hold. This naturally shifts your weight forward, engages the knees, and encourages a slight crouch. Keeping your head down makes you more mobile rather than defensive. This is how you get ready to do more than just act.
Arjun nodded, already sensing a change in his equilibrium. He kept a close eye on Sachin as he tapped his bat once close to his right foot.
"This tap?" Sachin gave a small smile. It was what set me off. My entire body became active. I tried holding the bat up once, but I didn't feel as prepared. Arjun, find your trigger, but always begin in the proper position.
After repeating his stance, Arjun moved forward to play the shot while Sachin and Sania watched.
"Try once more. Sachin said, "Play it in the V."
Arjun adapted. He leaned into the shot when the machine threw the next ball. A straight, clean drive. in balance. fluid. Not flawless, but much better.
Sachin nodded slightly. "Better. But still long way to go.
Arjun continued. He continued. His shots got better ball after ball, some slightly, some significantly. And he started to comprehend with each correction from Sachin and each slight nod from Sania.
Footwork involved more than just movement; it also involved positioning and laying the groundwork for your Future Batting dominance.
Time passed.
Finally, the net area echoed with Sania's voice. "That's sufficient for today. It's ten o'clock already.
Arjun blinked. He was completely unaware.
An excessive amount of training in a single day will simply confuse matters. Let's go slowly. Sania teased, "And don't forget to order food, or your poor stomach is going to riot tonight."
Her arms were crossed as she approached him, but her face was gentle.
Additionally, your basic footwork training with Sachin sir comes to an end today. I will be your training coach starting tomorrow!
Arjun looked at her suspiciously. "You? Hold on, are you really that familiar with cricket?
Sania grinned and put a hand on her hip. "Tch. Little boy, don't undervalue me. I am fully informed.
Before abruptly running away, Arjun rolled his eyes and muttered, "Anyone can talk big."
"Aye! Return here! Pretending to chase him, Sania yelled. "Wings on your back now, huh? Are you growing too big for your boots?
Laughing as Sania teleported ahead of him and blocked his escape, he ran through the virtual space.
"Aha! I got you now—
However, Arjun swiftly left the system space before she could "catch" him, laughing all the way back to reality.
He sighed and went back into the silent room. Her voice was still reverberating in his head.
"Hmph. Simply bide your time until tomorrow. I'll handle you appropriately." He could still picture Sania's amusing grin.
Arjun grinned to himself.
Coach Sania would take over tomorrow.
He was afraid as well as curious.