Roshan and Pradeep sat in their padded seats in Block C. The stadium air-conditioning vents blew a steady, cool breeze over them. Pradeep held a large cardboard tub of warm popcorn. He ate a handful and looked out at the massive green field.
The stadium was filling up very fast. The digital screens above the stands showed live footage of the crowd, switching occasionally to the premium hospitality boxes.
Pradeep pointed a finger toward the lower tier of VIP glass boxes located near the pavilion.
"Look over there, Roshan," Pradeep said, his mouth slightly full of popcorn. "They opened the curtains in the VIP boxes. I can see the actors."
Roshan followed his friend's finger. The glass was clear. The stadium cameras also noticed the celebrities, projecting their faces onto the massive screens floating above the ground.
"That is Prabhas," Roshan noted.
Prabhas was standing near the glass, wearing a simple black shirt. He was smiling and talking to Rana Daggubati. Rana was pointing down at the dugout seats built into the ground. Next to them stood Sushant Singh Rajput. Sushant was laughing at something Rana said.
"The Ramayana movie team," Pradeep smiled. "Deva invited his heroes."
The camera cut to the next box. The crowd in the stadium let out a loud cheer. Victory Venkatesh was waving at the camera. He wore a blue cap and looked very excited to be at a cricket match.
In another box, Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan, Kriti Sanon, and Kiara Advani were taking seats. They were looking up at the massive LED roof structure, clearly amazed by the scale of the building.
The screen shifted again. S.S. Rajamouli and his son, Karthikeya, were standing near the railing of their box. They were not just watching the crowd. They were looking at the massive floodlight towers and the camera rigging wires stretching across the stadium roof.
"Rajamouli looks like he wants to shoot a movie in here," Roshan joked.
Suddenly, a loud buzzer echoed through the stadium speakers.
The heavy, soundproof glass doors near the dressing room tunnel slid open.
The crowd stood up. The noise level rose instantly.
The players walked out onto the green grass for their warm-ups. They were not wearing their official match gear yet. They wore comfortable training clothes. The Indian Legends wore white t-shirts with light blue highlights on the shoulders. The World Legends wore white t-shirts with deep red highlights.
Pradeep stopped eating his popcorn. He stared at the field.
"I cannot believe I am seeing them again," Pradeep said. His voice was quiet.
Sachin Tendulkar walked out, swinging a bat in his hands. Right behind him walked Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly. Rahul Dravid was doing light shoulder stretches. V.V.S. Laxman, the local hero of Hyderabad, walked out, and the local crowd screamed his name. Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan jogged lightly toward the center of the field.
(A/N: They just had a difference in opinions, and they have won the ICC Champions Trophy together, so we can say they reconciled; it's not like they are arch-rivals.)
On the other side of the pitch, the World Legends stepped out. Adam Gilchrist carried his wicketkeeping gloves. Ricky Ponting walked beside Brian Lara. Brett Lee was spinning a red ball in his hand, talking to Jacques Kallis. Muttiah Muralitharan smiled his famous wide smile, waving at the stands.
"They look a little older," Roshan observed, leaning forward. "But they still have the same aura."
The players spent twenty minutes doing light stretches and short sprints. The crowd cheered every time Sehwag hit a practice ball into the stands, or when Brett Lee bowled a gentle warm-up delivery. It was pure nostalgia.
At exactly 6:15 PM, the ground staff moved quickly. They brought out a small, carpeted wooden stage and placed it on the grass near the boundary line. They set up a podium with a microphone.
The warm-ups stopped. The players gathered went to their respective dugouts.
The glass doors of the VIP tunnel opened again.
A group of politicians and officials walked out onto the grass, surrounded by a ring of security guards.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao walked at the front. Next to him were K.T. Rama Rao, the IT Minister, and Harish Rao. The Governor of Telangana, E.S.L. Narasimhan, and the BCCI President Vinod Rai walked with them.
Walking right beside the Chief Minister was Siddanth Deva.
Siddanth wore a crisp, dark blue polo shirt with the NEXUS logo on the chest, comfortable dark track pants, and cricket spikes. He looked sharp, relaxed, and ready to pick up a bat if someone threw a ball at him.
The crowd went wild. The noise hit the curved roof of the stadium and bounced straight down, creating a deafening echo.
"DEVA! DEVA! DEVA!"
Siddanth guided the dignitaries onto the small wooden stage. He stood near the podium. He waited for the chanting to settle down. He adjusted the microphone.
"Hello, Hyderabad!" Siddanth's deep voice boomed over the high-definition stadium speakers. "How are you?"
The crowd roared in response.
Siddanth smiled. He raised his right hand and cupped it behind his right ear. He leaned forward slightly into the microphone.
"What?" Siddanth asked, pretending to look confused. "I can't hear you."
The crowd understood the game immediately. Sixty thousand people took a deep breath and screamed at the absolute top of their lungs. The noise shook the plastic cups in the cupholders of the seats.
Siddanth laughed softly. He lowered his hand.
"That is the sound I like to hear," Siddanth said. "Thank you all for coming here tonight. Look around you. How is the stadium?"
"SUPER!" the crowd yelled back.
"Do you like it?" Siddanth asked.
"YES!"
Siddanth nodded, his expression turning a bit more serious. "When I thought of building a stadium in my home city, I did not want to build just another concrete block. I wanted it to be world-class. I wanted a place where the fans can actually enjoy the game wholeheartedly, without worrying about the heat, the rain, or the long lines. This building belongs to you."
"Yeah!!!"
He turned toward the dignitaries standing behind him.
"None of this would be possible without the massive support of the state government and the cricket board," Siddanth continued. "They cleared the paths for us to build this facility in record time. Please welcome them."
Siddanth stepped aside. He gestured for Harish Rao to take the podium.
Harish Rao stepped forward. He smiled at the massive crowd.
"Andariki namaskaram," (Greetings to everyone) Harish Rao began in Telugu. His voice was strong and clear. "Ee roju mana Siddanth Deva oka adbhutamaina stadium katti chupinchadu. Deva ee stadium tho prapancha sthayi gurthimpu thecchadu. Idi mana rachanala vijayam." (Today, our Siddanth Deva has built and shown us a wonderful stadium. Deva has brought world-class recognition with this stadium. This is the success of our creations.)
The crowd clapped loudly for the irrigation minister. Harish Rao thanked the players and stepped back.
Siddanth took the mic. "I now request KTR sir to say a few words."
KTR walked up to the podium. He looked energetic. He grabbed the microphone and looked out at the young crowd.
"Hyderabad kurrollu eppudu mundu untaru!" (Hyderabad boys are always ahead!) KTR shouted, instantly hyping up the stands. "Siddanth proved it again today. Ee smart stadium technology lo mana nagaram inka munduku vellindi. Hitec city nunchi Nagole varaku, mana development aagadu. Ee roju mana legends andaru ikkada aaduthunnaru. Let us enjoy the game!" (Our city has moved further ahead in smart stadium technology. From Hitec City to Nagole, our development will not stop. Today, all our legends are playing here. Let us enjoy the game!)
KTR waved to the crowd and stepped back.
The BCCI President Vindo Rai came forward next. He spoke in English and Hindi. He praised the retractable roof and the pitch technology. He officially declared that the NEXUS Smart Stadium was granted the highest level of clearance to host international matches and IPL games.
The Governor of Telangana spoke briefly after him, offering formal blessings to the venue and wishing the players a good game without injuries.
Finally, Siddanth took the microphone again. He looked at the Chief Minister.
"And now, I request our Honorable Chief Minister, KCR sir, to officially inaugurate the stadium," Siddanth said.
KCR walked slowly to the podium. He looked out at the massive stadium and smiled his signature, folksy smile.
"Naa Telangana kutumb sabulandari namskaram," (Greetings to all my Telangana family members) KCR started. His slow, deliberate delivery commanded total attention. "Prapancham lo ekkada leni vidhanga, mana biddalu adbhutalu chesthunnaru. Siddanth Deva mana rashtraniki garva karanam. Ippudu vaana vasthe match aagipoddu ani chepparu. Enta goppa vishayam idi! Mana prabhutvam eppudu aatalanu prothsahisthundi. Ee roju, ee kotha stadium lo, patha tharam aatagallanu chudatam chala anandam ga undi." (Like nowhere else in the world, our children are doing wonders. Siddanth Deva is a reason for our state's pride. They told me that if it rains now, the match won't stop. What a great thing this is! Our government will always encourage sports. Today, seeing the older generation of players in this new stadium brings me great joy.)
KCR raised his hand high.
"Jai Telangana! Jai Hind!"
The crowd roared the slogan back at him.
The dignitaries gathered around Siddanth. A photographer took several group pictures on the stage. After the photos, the politicians shook Siddanth's hand, walked down the steps, and were escorted toward the premium VIP boxes to watch the match.
Siddanth remained alone on the stage. He held the microphone.
"The speeches are done," Siddanth announced. "It is time for cricket."
The stadium lights dimmed slightly. Spotlight beams scanned the grass.
"I have the privilege today to introduce the men who made us all fall in love with this sport," Siddanth said, his voice echoing in the dark. "These are the heroes of our childhood. First, let me introduce the visiting team. The World Legends XI."
The spotlight hit the edge of the dugout.
"He is the man who redefined wicketkeeping," Siddanth started. "When he walked in to bat, opening bowlers had nightmares. He hit the ball harder and cleaner than anyone. He was my mentor when I first played for Deccan Chargers. Under his captaincy, Hyderabad won their first IPL. Please welcome, Adam Gilchrist!"
Gilchrist jogged out of the dugout. He was now wearing the official match jersey. It was a crisp white shirt with deep red sleeves. He waved his hands at the crowd. The fans cheered loudly for the popular Australian.
"Next," Siddanth continued. "The Matara Hurricane. He slashed the ball over point like a sword. Sanath Jayasuriya!"
Jayasuriya walked out in the red and white jersey, smiling shyly.
"He is the prince of Trinidad," Siddanth said, his voice full of respect. "He had the highest backlift and the most beautiful cover drive in the history of the sport. Brian Charles Lara!"
The crowd gave a massive standing ovation for Lara.
"The ultimate all-rounder," Siddanth called out next. "He could bat all day and bowl heavy bouncers. Jacques Kallis!"
Kallis jogged out, waving his hand.
"The pioneer of the switch-hit. He made batting look like a video game. Kevin Pietersen!"
Pietersen ran out, pumping his fists to hype up the crowd.
"The big man from Queensland. He walked down the pitch to fast bowlers and hit them straight back over their heads. Matthew Hayden!"
Hayden walked out, his broad shoulders filling the jersey.
Siddanth introduced the bowlers next.
"The smiling assassin. He bowled with terrifying pace and a smile on his face. Brett Lee!"
Lee ran out, pretending to bowl a fast delivery to the crowd.
"The meticulous left-arm spinner from New Zealand. Daniel Vettori!"
"The most accurate fast bowler from South Africa. Shaun Pollock!"
"And the man with a magical wrist. The highest wicket-taker in Test history. Muttiah Muralitharan!"
Murali walked out with his wide, familiar smile.
"Finally," Siddanth said, pausing for dramatic effect. "The man who led the most dominant team in the history of cricket. He pulled heavily, he fielded brilliantly, and he never gave up. The captain of the World Legends. Ricky Ponting!"
Ponting jogged out last. The crowd cheered loudly for the fierce competitor.
"That is a terrifying team," Pradeep muttered in his seat, looking at the World XI line-up standing on the grass.
"Now," Siddanth's voice rose, filling the stadium. "Let me introduce the home team. The men who taught us how to fight. The India Legends XI."
The spotlight swung to the Indian dugout.
"He did not know how to defend," Siddanth started. "He hit the first ball of the match for a boundary. He is the Nawab of Najafgarh. Virender Sehwag!"
Sehwag walked out first. He was wearing a custom, deep blue jersey with the Indian flag colors on the shoulder. The crowd chanted his name instantly. "Viru! Viru! Viru!"
"He changed the mindset of Indian cricket," Siddanth continued. "He taught us aggression. He took his shirt off on the Lord's balcony. The Prince of Kolkata. Sourav Ganguly!"
Ganguly walked out, looking serious and focused. The crowd roared for Dada.
"When the team collapsed, he stood like a rock. He tired the bowlers out with his patience and his flawless technique. The Wall. Rahul Dravid!"
Dravid jogged out politely, waving his hand.
"This next man," Siddanth smiled. "He belongs to you. He played wrist shots that defied physics. He saved us in Kolkata. The pride of Hyderabad. V.V.S. Laxman!"
The stadium exploded. The noise level reached its peak. Pradeep and Roshan stood up from their seats, screaming for their local hero. Laxman walked out, pressing his palms together in a grateful namaste to his home crowd.
"He dove like a tiger at point. He won us the NatWest final. Mohammad Kaif!"
Kaif jogged out, looking as fit as he did ten years ago.
"Behind the stumps, he was sharp and vocal. Nayan Mongia!"
"He swung the ball late and scored the fastest fifty for India. Ajit Agarkar!"
"He bowled with a broken jaw. He fought for every single wicket. The ultimate competitor. Anil Kumble!"
Kumble walked out in the blue jersey, adjusting his glasses.
"He brought left-arm swing and deadly yorkers to the Indian pace attack. Zaheer Khan!"
"The spearhead of the nineties pace attack. Javagal Srinath!"
Srinath walked out, joining the rest of the bowlers.
Siddanth stopped talking. He let the silence hang in the stadium for five seconds. Every single person in the sixty thousand seats knew exactly who was left.
"And finally," Siddanth said. His voice dropped to a lower, deeply reverent tone. "The reason most of us picked up a cricket bat in the first place. The man who carried the hopes of a billion people for twenty-four years. The God of Cricket. And the captain of the India Legends XI. Sachin Tendulkar!"
The stadium did not just cheer. It vibrated.
"SACHIN! SACHIN! SACHIN! SACHIN!"
The iconic, rhythmic chant started immediately. People banged their hands on the armrests. Tendulkar walked out of the dugout. He looked the same. He waved his hand to the crowd, walking toward his teammates.
Siddanth walked down from the wooden stage. He met Sachin and Ricky Ponting in the center of the pitch.
The stadium lights brightened to their maximum level. The camera zoomed in on the three men standing in the middle of the green grass.
Siddanth held a gold coin in his hand. He looked at Sachin standing to his left in the blue jersey, and then at Ponting standing to his right in the red jersey.
Siddanth smiled a warm smile. He brought the microphone to his mouth.
"I have to admit," Siddanth said to the two captains, his voice broadcasting to the entire stadium. "I think I am getting a bit nostalgic seeing you both standing next to each other for the toss again."
The crowd roared loudly at the comment. It felt like stepping back in time by fifteen years.
Sachin laughed softly. Ponting smiled, shaking his head.
"Let's see who wins this one," Ponting said.
Siddanth flipped the gold coin high into the air.
"Tails," Ponting called out as the coin fell.
The coin landed on the hard, flat pitch. Siddanth looked down at it.
"It is heads," Siddanth announced. He looked at Sachin. "Sachin paaji, you win the toss."
Sachin nodded. He looked at the pitch, then looked up at the floodlights.
"We are going to bowl first," Sachin declared into the microphone. "The stadium looks magnificent. We want to see the ball swing a bit under these new lights, and then chase the total later in the evening."
"You heard it," Siddanth said, turning to the camera. "India Legends will bowl first. Let the game begin."