Arjun went about his daily business the following morning and went into the system space. He continued where he had left off the day before, heading straight for the nets. He was determined, but he was still unable to consistently contact the ball.
It seemed like his body wasn't responding quickly enough, particularly when footwork was involved, as if he were trying to play cricket while wearing football boots.
At that moment, Sania's piercing and corrective voice could be heard.
"No, Trainee! You're too rigid. Your footwork seems to be frozen. "
Her expression changed from one of playfulness to concentration as she stepped onto the field.
"We must unlock your feet before we return to the fundamentals that Sachin Sir taught us. Today is the first day of our footwork agility drills, specifically the Agility Ladder Drill.
In front of Arjun, a long agility ladder materialized across the turf like magic.
You will learn rhythm, balance, and fluid movement with this exercise. The Single-Foot Agility Drill is the first exercise.
As she spoke, Sania climbed up the ladder to demonstrate.
"Begin slowly. Maintain proper posture by keeping your arms at your sides, shoulders relaxed, and knees slightly bent. Quickly shift your weight onto your right foot as you enter the first square.
"Now shift your weight once more and place the left foot into the next square. Think quickly, lightly, and equitably.
She smirked at him after concluding the demonstration.
"It's your turn now. Let's aim for 500 reps. Don't worry—only your feet will hate me by the end."
"Five hundred?" Arjun blinked. "You do realize that even though I don't get tired, I still feel symptoms in here, don't you?"
Sania gave a dramatic whistle blow.
"This is only the start. Today, we have several drills planned. No gain, no pain!
With an inward groan, Arjun started. At first, it was repetitive—foot after foot, square after square. Sania, however, watched every action closely and adjusted his pace, timing, and posture accordingly.
Despite his system-enhanced stamina, he sagged on the ground after what seemed like an eternity, his breath heaving.
"Give yourself ten minutes. Without giving him a false hope, Sania told him, "Then we move on to the two-foot drill."
Arjun was back at the beginning of the ladder ten minutes later.
Sania went on expertly:
"The only difference between this and the single-foot drill is that both feet enter each square before going on to the next one."
She gave another example by precisely shifting her weight by stepping her left foot into the square and then her right foot into the same.
"Remember—shift the weight and lead with the toes. each square. 500 repetitions.
This time, Arjun didn't even argue. With a weary nod, he started.
By the end of both sets, he felt as though his legs were made of rubber and was drenched in virtual sweat.
Sania wasn't finished, though.
"Let's return to the nets now. It's time to put what Sachin Sir taught you about footwork into practice."
As the bowling machine whirred to life, he positioned himself at the crease, padded up, and braced himself.
Like a metronome, the drills came next.
Step.
Ball.
Swing.
The voice of Sania.
"Better."
"Your elbow is down once more!"
"You're not properly using your toe spring!"
"That's a good one."
"The head is cocked to the right."
"HA! That one didn't look so much like a cricket shot as it did like a wedding dance!
Arjun repeatedly practiced the fundamentals—stance, balance, and foot movement—under her constant criticism and correction until the virtual stadium's sky turned a gentle purple, denoting night.
Sania eventually blew her whistle to end the session.
Arjun left the room and fell onto his actual bed. His mind was heavy with drills, repetitions, and the sound of Sania's whistle echoing in his head, even though his body felt light.
He smiled and mumbled, "Hey Sania," just before falling asleep. "I had no idea you were familiar with all of these drills. I assumed you would simply copy and paste the lessons taught by Sachin Sir."
In his mind, Sania's proud voice chimed, "Hah! Don't make fun of me. I am not some copycat program. I am fully informed. You should be appreciative that I picked you.
Arjun muttered, his eyes half closed, "Well, that's true. I sincerely appreciate that you did.
He then fell asleep, dreaming of square steps, whistles being screamed, and perhaps even a flawless cover drive.