A team, full of youngsters this time, was gonna play in Border Gavaskar Trophy!

People didn't count on this team much at that point of time.

What good will these boys do?!

And everyone was counting them out after Virat Kohli, the captain and the best player decided to fly back to India!

The captaincy was carried on by Ajinkya Rahane, much to his own dismay.

Rohit Sharma was unfit for the first two test matches and no one could see how much India stand chances in this series!

India will lose awfully!

That's what everyone's opinion was!

"Since when did people's opinion start affecting and controlling our thoughts, guys?" Virat asked fiercely getting up from his seat.

He couldn't hear this nonsense of the social media anymore. He had been trying his best to not let anyone switch on the TV till the series gets over.

"It's not just people's opinion. We–" Rahul began but fell short of words.

"We, what? Rahuliya, don't tell me even you are counting us out because I'm leaving?!" Virat turned on Rahul.

Please, say you're not, Rahuliya! Virat thought to himself uncertainly. He couldn't stand all his teammates feeling they didn't even stand a chance if he wasn't there.

"I–", Rahul sighed. "I'm not." He muttered untruthfully. He didn't want Virat to feel guilty after he had made a decision for which he should not be guilty.

Virat sighed with relief as Rahul said this. He looked towards Jinks, sitting in a corner silently.

Jinks looked up at him too. Don't ask me, Vi!

Virat's expression twitched. You think I shouldn't leave?

Jinks just averted his eyes. He didn't want to answer. He just didn't.

Virat's eyes didn't stir from Jinks' face at all. Look at me, Jinksy!

Jinks felt that and quickly left from there, not wanting to face Virat's gaze.

"For god's sake, Jinks.." Virat gulped the lump in his throat. He couldn't fall weak now. He had made a decision and there was no way he would doubt on it.

"Look, guys, let's focus on our first test for now." Virat said looking at everyone else. "And remember it's not just me who will be playing for India in the ground."

Everyone exchanged glances full of uncertainty before leaving Virat alone.

"I hope they will prove me right and themselves wrong!" Virat desperately wished in his heart.

And that's how this series had started. Full of uncertainty. Hope was still to be searched within. And the captain was steeled to leave his team.

However, little did he know this is not to be called tough as the coming first test match taught him so.

Virat counted the shortcomings they had this time—

Jinks was never sure he could take on the captaincy and lead the team in Virat's absence.

Rohit wasn't there with the team for first two tests.

Subhman was gonna open for the first time in an international test match.

Rishabh, coming from a terrible form in IPL, really down with confidence level, didn't even know he will get a chance to play or not.

One of their key bowlers was missing out, Ishant , who would have been here if not injured enough to be ruled out.

Hanuma, who was a player to look up to in this time according to his captain, wasn't really hopeful about his streaks.

And—

So on!

Virat didn't want to count more!
---------------------------------------

Virat slipped in Jinks' room in the night. "It doesn't matter, Jinksy" Virat said.

"It doesn't matter?" Jinks asked sharply.

"It—Uh, ok, it does! But it's not that you guys haven't ever played a test series without me!" Virat said.

"We have, but it was not like you intentionally left the team in a series as important as this one." Jinks snapped.

"I didn't expect you to take it like this." Virat said accusingly.

"Oh, really?"

"You don't get it. Can't I take leave to spend some quality time with my family?" Virat said indignantly. "You can't blame me for that decision."

"Surely." Jinks said coldly.

"Jinksy, listen to me—" Virat began.

"I want to sleep."

"But—"

"Please, Virat." Jinks said tiredly.

Virat thought to protest but couldn't after listening that tone of Jinks. He left quietly as Jinks shut the door.
______________________________________

A/n

I'm writing a short story on this test series. It's so special that I thought to pen down all that happened in the series in form of story. I'll be writing parts on each test match.

But it will mostly contain Virat-Jinks. I'm so much obsessed with these two.

Hope you guys will like it!

And if you guys can, please, drop down any special incident you remember of any test match if you want me to include it too! (In case I'd missed it out)

Love ❤️