February 23

Hear a funny thing about India’s two main run-getters Virat and Tanmay. Since Virat is called Viru, they have started calling Tanmay — you guessed it — Jai. It fits them perfectly, a member of the team says. Virat is the more exuberant and outgoing, while Tanmay is a boy of few words — just like Sholay’s superstars. These are early signs of a blockbuster.

February 24

Viru gets candid, saying his team doesn’t get along with the English. “They are too snooty.” Since they happen to be their quarter-final opponents, there is no respite for England. A big win for India follows, this time opener Taruwar Kohli comes to the party.

February 25

Watch Pakistan’s first match, and with the game just six balls old, sight a pacer with a big in-swinger. But coach Mansoor Rana says Adil Raza isn’t the best bowler in the squad. He points to weak-looking boy with a hospital tag around his wrist. “He is Amir Mohammad, and very soon you will see him in the senior team. Sadly he is stuck with dengue, so can’t play here,” says the coach. Mohammad shakes hands. Could be story for the future... I saw him first.

February 26

The Indians are back after a day trip to Genting. Boys have fun at water park. What about the casino? “We didn’t go, we are not allowed,” says a teenager. Note to self: this isn’t the senior team.

... contd.