The Orange Jersey

From gully to the stadium , cricket had been a part and parcel of every Indian household. If there is a match which has India team against its strong competitor, people glue themselves to the seats and stare at the television leaving behind their food, work and everything.

So was the behaviour of Adarsh. He was so very attached to the sport that he could forget the world around. He had been playing gully cricket since his childhood and had dreams to play in the Indian cricket team. He was fast pace spinner. But luck would have it. . . his strong enthusiasm, passion, energy of his youthfulness made him the best cricketer in school, college and even state. His creative acts in every match led to the win of his team. He even doesn't remember how many times he was awarded the Man of the Match, making his family and parents proud of him, unless one day. . . . .

The accident was fatal just not to take away his life but to let Adarsh stay in wheelchair for ever. . and then started the sympathetic statements of the neighbours, there are people in the world who could do no good but was always ready with blabbering mouth.

The treatment took a lot of their fortune and reduced their economic condition. Adarsh had two sisters to be married off, his father worked as a clerk, his mother without showing the signs of tensions worked day and night for her family and he. . . . . . was Useless now. When his sights would reach out to the Orange Jersey. . . . every nerves within his body would crush in to pieces. . . . . why is he alive? He could not fulfill his passion, he could not lend a helping hand to his parents, get his sisters married off . . . nothing . . . a worthless. . a big zero. The only friend was his Orange Jersey. . . . . where he could wipe off his relentless tears.

Coach Joshua was looking for such kind of a player who had every thing he needs to have in a player. . . . . . it was just to awaken his enthusiasm and the world would see him in the pitch again.

If he wouldn't have been there, the Orange Jersey would forever remain hung in the hanger and stuck to the wall. . . . if he wouldn't have thought of those player who were disable but still could play and prove themselves to the world again that they were "differently abled"

The last ball and 6 runs remaining for the opponent country to win. This last ball was his only last chance, every eyes from the gallery to the crease was glued towards it. . . thick drops of sweat drooled down from the forehead towards the cheek, the excitement raced every heart. . . . . . and with a swing the ball went galloping spinning like a top, fluttering and waving in its fastest pace and with a strong swing the batsman wounded his bat and lo. . . . . . . . the ball was not hit instead it went straight past the pitch hitting the wicket. . . . . . .

Adarsh was again the Man of the Match for the Indian wheelchair cricket team. . . . . the trophy had a different meaning for him this time. . . . . winning again. . . return of his enthusiasm and passion . . . . . . the Orange Jersey still shone on his body brightly. . . .