The training dome felt different the following morning.
Not because the pitch was different. Not because it was any hotter. But because Sania was Back.
Arjun's eyes automatically scanned the area as he stepped onto the turf while wearing whites. He didn't have to wait long. The air was filled with a familiar whistle and a mocking voice.
"Good morning, my dramatic little crybaby. Ready to bowl like an actual cricketer today, or should I keep a tissue box handy?"
Arjun grinned. This time, a real one.
"I'm ready," he said plainly. "Let's resume our work."
Sania hovered midair in her casual pink hoodie today, legs crossed in a throne-like virtual She called forth a chair for aesthetic purposes only. Beside her, a floating digital notepad that was already recording statistics was hovering.
"Atta boy." Glenn is awaiting. Additionally, I updated the analysis HUD so that any errors you make will be permanently recorded. Sweetie, try not to make us look foolish.
Arjun turned to the bowling end and nodded.
Near the stumps, Glenn McGrath's projection was already erect. He acknowledged with a nod, calm as ever.
"All right. You've regained your mental equilibrium. We are going back to Phase 1: Zone Training today. Delivering 70% of your balls into the red zone is still your objective.
The color-coded zones reappeared as the pitch brightened up once more, with gridlines starting to form.
Red Zone – Off-stump to fourth stump.
Blue Zone – Defensive line.
Yellow Zone – Wide. Wasted.
"Keep in mind that this isn't just about hitting the zone," Glenn said, folding his arms. It has to do with control. Repetition. Accuracy. A bowler is not made up of just one good ball. There are hundreds of good balls.
Arjun made his mark. He rolled his shoulders. took a slow breath.
then came running in.
A thump.
initial delivery. Just beyond the red.
Buzz.
From above, Sania chirped, "Blue Zone." "Not too bad. You're flirting with mediocrity, though. Aim higher.
Arjun repositioned his hand. ran in once more.
A thump.
inside the red zone's perimeter. For a moment, there was no buzz as the dome glowed.
Glenn provided a silent, "Better. Once more.
Arjun threw himself into the rhythm, ball after ball. Sweat came on fast. His breath became labored, but he remained focused.
Surprisingly, Sania was more beneficial today than she was mocking.
After his 17th ball, she remarked, "Try aligning your wrist earlier—it's a little off on that one."
Startled, Arjun looked up at her. "No jokes?"
"Please. I'm changing. Do you know anything about emotional development? Now bowl, peasant.
Grinning, he dashed in once more.
Something clicked by mid-morning.
His deliveries inside the red zone started to get tighter and tighter. The feedback mechanism of the dome became quiet. The buzzes ceased. The ball's tracking by neon arcs became more reliable.
After the 30th consecutive ball struck the red, even Glenn arched an eyebrow.
"You're starting to get it," Glenn remarked. "Your fingers are beginning to act normally. Your body is doing what you want it to.
Sania let out a mock gasp from above. "What is this Feeling? Is it pride? Arjun, am I truly proud of you?
In between breaths, Arjun answered, "Say it louder." "I could pass out."
The system showed his accuracy by the end of the morning session:
✅ The Red Zone 73% accuracy
🔥 Phase 1 Completed
Arjun fell to his knees because, for a brief moment, the dome made him feel worn out. But a grin pulled at his mouth.
"At last," he muttered. "Advancement."
Sania offered him a bottle of water and a towel as she floated down next to him.
She remarked, "Not bad, sweetie." Phase 1 is complete. Two more to go.
Arjun swallowed the water. "Next, cone training?"
Sania gave a nod. Targeting static cones. It will test your ability to judge bounce and length in addition to your aim. This time, there are fewer visual aids. More simulation of real games. However, that is after lunch.
After pausing, she grinned and continued, "And just for the record... Today, I'm not crying. However, I'm still touched.
Arjun gave her a sidelong glance. "Are you certain? Your eyes appear somewhat—
"I'll triple the cone difficulty if you say one more word."
They both Laughed.
The training dome didn't feel like a cage for the first time in a long time. It had the feel of a battlefield. He could win it.