*South Africa, November 2014 — India U-19 Tour of South Africa*
The winds in Johannesburg didn't carry the scent of the sea or the spice-laced air of Mumbai. Here, it was dry. High altitude, low humidity, and a bounce in the pitch that made fast bowlers grin like hungry wolves. Ishaan Verma had landed in a new crucible. The India U-19 team was touring South Africa for a bilateral series — three Youth Tests, three ODIs, and a couple of warm-ups.
The series was unofficial, but the intensity was real.
The South African U-19 side, led by Reece Muller — the same fast-bowling all-rounder from the U-19 World Cup — was out for revenge. Media dubbed it: *The World Cup Rematch.* But for Ishaan, it was something else.
A proving ground.
Not just for his technique, but for his adaptability, his patience, his leadership.
Coach Muralidharan had promoted him to vice-captain.
"Watch everything," Murali said on the flight. "Not just the game. The people, the politics, the press. Being a captain isn't about wearing the armband. It's about knowing when to carry, when to crush, and when to concede."
---
### The First Test — Wanderers, Johannesburg
India batted first. And collapsed.
The South African pacers — Muller, Jason Makhubu, and the wiry left-armer Dwayne Sibeko — exploited the extra bounce ruthlessly. By lunch, India was 48 for 5. Ishaan walked in to silence. No cheer squad, no flags.
Just cricket.
He took guard.
The first ball rose sharply from a length and thudded into his chest.
Muller walked past and said, "Your pretty little World Cup cover drives won't work here, Mumbai boy."
Ishaan didn't respond. Just tapped the pitch.
For the next three hours, he batted like a monk.
He let balls go. He wore bruises. He left with precision. Every time the ball dipped, he met it with soft hands. When it rose, he swayed. When it begged to be driven, he waited one more delivery. Then punished.
He scored 87 in 237 balls.
India reached 213. Not enough.
South Africa responded with 384. Muller scored 129.
India lost by an innings.
In the press conference, Ishaan said, "No excuses. They were better. But we'll be back."
Muller, grinning beside him, added, "Nice little innings, Ishaan. But pressure, that's the real bowler."
---
### The Second Test — Durban
The bounce was gentler, but the spin came into play.
India batted second. Ishaan came in at 29 for 2.
This time, he wasn't passive.
He swept the off-spinner thrice in an over. Danced down to the left-arm spinner. He didn't let them settle.
A masterful 102.
But what caught eyes wasn't the century — it was the moment he reverse-swept Muller for four.
After the match, Muller muttered in the corridor, "You'll regret that."
India drew the Test.
---
### Off the Field
In the downtime between matches, Ishaan walked the neighborhoods of Durban, blending in with a hoodie and sunglasses. One evening, while exploring a local bookstore, he saw something that made him stop.
A copy of *HeForShe — Essays by Emma Watson*.
He picked it up. The storekeeper recognized him.
"That innings... the 102. Special," the man said.
Ishaan smiled, modest. "Trying to get better."
The man tapped the book. "She fights her battles with words. You fight yours with willow. Same courage."
That night, in his hotel room, Ishaan opened his diary and wrote:
*Different battlegrounds. Same war. Dada, I think you'd like her.*
---
### The Third Test — Cape Town
Series levelled 1-1. Final Test at Newlands.
Green top. Clouds above.
South Africa batted first. Bowled out for 198.
India responded with 265. Ishaan made 45 — gritty, slow, unglamorous.
But the match turned in the second innings. India bowled SA out for 175.
Chasing 109, India was cruising at 78 for 1.
Then — collapse.
Muller bowled with venom. Wickets tumbled.
Ishaan stood firm.
He was on 33. India 102 for 7.
Muller ran in. Bowled a short one. Ishaan pulled — top edge. Ball flew.
Fielder ran in. Dived.
Dropped. Two runs taken.
Next ball: half-volley.
Ishaan drove.
Six.
India won.
Series 2-1.
Ishaan was awarded Player of the Series.
Muller shook his hand at the ceremony. "You're better than I thought. But I'll still get you."
Ishaan grinned. "Then I'll still be here."
---
### The Press
Headlines back in India:
**"Ishaan Verma: The Next Wall of India?"**
**"Gritty, Graceful, Grown."**
Social media exploded. Interviews poured in.
But Ishaan asked the BCCI media officer for limited appearances.
"I don't want the spotlight. Just the shadows where the work happens."
---
### The Letter
Back in Mumbai, Ishaan returned to a quiet home.
Meera had saved every clipping. The diary was heavier with memories.
One evening, Rudra came over with news.
"You made the shortlist."
"What shortlist?"
"India A tour. December. Against England Lions."
Ishaan blinked.
That was the bridge.
From juniors to seniors.
From promise to potential.
From shadow to sun.
He went to his father's picture.
Held the Player of the Series medal beside it.
"Dada... the journey's about to get harder. But I'm still walking. One step. One shot. One innings at a time."
He opened the Emma Watson book.
Underlined a line:
*'Don't wait to be invited into greatness. Walk in like you were born there.'*
He closed the book.
And whispered:
"I'm coming."