Virat x Shubman - More than a Bromance

Poor Performance

Narrator POV

Team India finally won the test match, despite some of the key players not performing well. They had also clutched this series against England by 3-1.

The team was celebrating and the captain was happy with their performance. They were now looking forward to the next series.

Players returned to the team hotel. They went to their rooms to relax and refresh for the victory party in the evening.

Shubman POV

Today was an exhausting day. We were fielding the entire day and I was so tired.

I headed straight to my room. I walked past Virat's room. His door was slightly open and I could see him on his laptop, probably responding to some business emails.

I wanted to talk to him about my batting, as I had got out on a duck the previous innings. He also got out cheaply soon after my wicket. So I knew that he would help me in understanding my mistakes and reading the pitch conditions.

But I realised that he might be busy right now and decided to speak to him later.

I entered my room, which was now clean and tidy, thanks to the room service. I lied down on my bed to take a nap.

But I couldn't sleep. I was still thinking about my performance and trying to figure out my mistakes.

In the evening, I went to the top floor, which was a semi-formal banquet hall. The party was fun. We danced for a bit and had our food.

I was chatting with KL and Mayank. We usually don't talk about cricket much. They were talking about their girlfriends.

"How do you feel about relationships?" KL asked me.

"I don't know, I haven't thought about it much. I think I'm too invested in cricket at the moment to pursue a relationship."

I've been in relationships in the past, but I've never been too serious about them. I believe that we find love when we're not looking for it.

"Honestly Shub, good for you. But whenever you decide to be in a relationship and want some advice, remember to ask me as I'm a pro."
We started laughing, then we talked about some other stuff.

Virat approached us with some light drinks. I don't usually drink, but I still sipped on the champagne since Virat handed me a glass.

"Virat sir, I wanted to have a chat with you about my batting."

Virat looked at me and smiled.
"Sure, you can come to my room after this party."

He is always very nice and cooperative towards the youngsters. He is the best at giving advice about cricket and even life.

After the party was over, I headed to his room.

On my way, I was thinking about how I've always felt a bit nervous and intimidated by Virat. I don't exactly know why, he has always been very welcoming and supportive towards me.

I don't usually feel this way about any other one of my teammates. But I thought maybe it is because Virat is the captain. I respect him a lot and admire his determination.

Without giving any further thought to this, I cleared my mind and approached his room, and knocked on the door.

Soon Virat opened the door. He greeted me and welcomed me inside. I took a seat on the sofa near his work desk. He shut the door and came and sat on the chair in front of me.

"So Shubman, what do you want to talk about?" He asked looking at me.
I felt really nervous whenever he looked me in the eyes. So I looked away.
"Uhm.. I was trying to breakdown how I got out. I think I was unable to read the pitch and the ball's swing."
"See Shubman, I know you're an extremely talented batsman and you can tackle any type of situation on the field. I think the problem is that you're getting in your head and distracting yourself."
"Yea I was thinking too much while batting. I guess that distracted me."
"See all one gotta do is see the ball and hit it. Don't complicate it too much."
"I got it! Thanks Virat sir!"
"If you need any other help, you can come to me."
"Sure Virat sir."
"Also, you can just call me 'Virat'. No need to be so formal."
"Okay Virat!"
We both laughed.

Even I felt a bit weird calling him 'Virat sir'. But that's what all the new players called him, so I did too.

We chatted for a bit. Whilst talking, Virat got up and started unbuttoning his shirt. I started feeling nervous and intimidated again.

I've seen him shirtless several times in dressing room. But right now, it was different. We were alone in his room and I was sitting right in front of him.

I was feeling some type of way, but I couldn't figure out what it was. His abs were so perfect from up close. His arms were so strong and muscular.

I didn't even realise that I had stopped speaking and the room went quiet.

"What are you looking at?" The silence suddenly broke.
Fuck- I realised that I had been staring at Virat and he noticed that.
"I- N- Nothing."
"Were you checking me out?" he asked jokingly.
"Um no-" I was checking him out.
He started laughing.
"Hahahha I'm just kidding."
I smiled too. I was kinda embarrassed.

I was feeling some type of way, I didn't know what it was. So I decided to leave his room ASAP.

"Aight Virat. Thanks for all the advice. Imma go to sleep now. Good Night."
"Good Night Shubman."

(please comment and let me know your thoughts and opinions, and if i should continue this)