Emperor Of Cricket

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad was packed beyond capacity, the stands a sea of red and blue, buzzing with an energy that could only belong to an IPL Final. Over 55,000 fans filled the stadium, their chants echoing across the night sky. This was it—Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai Indians. A night where one team would etch their name into history.

In the center, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stood for the toss, the tension in the air unmistakable. The coin went up, spinning under the bright floodlights before landing in RCB's favor.

Virat adjusted his cap before turning to the broadcaster. "We'll bowl first."

A thunderous cheer erupted from the RCB supporters, their confidence growing. RCB had preferred chasing all season, and they weren't about to change their approach now.

"An expected decision," Ravi Shastri remarked in the commentary box. "Virat Kohli and his men have trusted their ability to chase big totals, and tonight, they'll back themselves once again."

"It's risky, though," Sunil Gavaskar added. "This is a final, and scoreboard pressure is real. If Mumbai gets going, this could be a tough ask."

Rohit nodded at the decision, unfazed. "We would've bowled too, but we'll put up a big total and make a game of it."

The captains shook hands and headed back to their teams.

Virat huddled his players together. "Boys, this is it. One last game. We play smart, we play fearless, and we take that trophy home."

The players clapped, their faces set with determination as they took their positions on the field.

The Mumbai Indians openers, Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock, strode out to a deafening roar. At the top of his mark, Navdeep Saini stood ready with the new ball.

The umpire signaled. The crowd held its breath.

Saini steamed in, first ball—a full outswinger at 143 kmph.

Rohit, calm as ever, leaned into the shot and punched it through the covers. The ball raced to the boundary in a flash.

"Beautiful shot! Rohit Sharma just caresses it through the off-side!" Sanjay Manjrekar's voice rang through the commentary box.

The Mumbai skipper was off the mark in style.

In the next over, Umesh Yadav banged in a short one at 140 kmph, and de Kock was quick to react. He rocked back and pulled it cleanly over deep square leg for six!

"Oh, that is effortless from de Kock! Short ball, put away with ease!" Harsha Bhogle exclaimed.

By the end of the powerplay, Mumbai had raced to 52/0, their aggressive intent clear.

Virat brought in Yuzvendra Chahal to break the stand, and the move worked instantly.

De Kock, on 37 off 19, went for a lofted shot over long-off but miscued it. The ball swirled high into the night sky, and the entire stadium held its breath.

Near the boundary, AB de Villiers settled under it and took it cleanly!

"Safe as ever! AB de Villiers doesn't drop those, and RCB has the breakthrough!" Ravi Shastri boomed.

Mumbai, now 58/1, continued building their innings through Suryakumar Yadav, who looked in fine touch. In the 10th over, he stepped out to Chahal and whipped him over deep midwicket for six, silencing the RCB supporters.

Virat turned toward the boundary and raised his hand. Advay Rai took off his cap and stepped up to bowl.

The crowd immediately responded, chants of "RAI! RAI! RAI!" echoing through the stadium.

Suryakumar was on strike. Advay ran in, his green eyes locked on the target, and fired a 142 kmph delivery, angling in at the stumps.

Suryakumar shuffled across and tried to flick—but missed completely! The ball crashed into the leg stump, sending the bails flying.

"BOWLED HIM! Advay Rai strikes!" Harsha Bhogle's voice was electric. "What a moment in the final! The young superstar delivers again!"

The RCB players rushed to Advay, Virat clapping him on the back. Mumbai was now 122/2 in 12.3 overs, and for a moment, RCB had the momentum.

But Mumbai refused to slow down.

Hardik Pandya walked in and changed the game instantly.

In the 16th over, he stepped down the track and launched Chahal straight back over his head for a monstrous six, the ball landing deep into the stands.

The very next delivery, Chahal tossed it wider, but Hardik reached out and carved it over extra cover for another maximum.

"Hardik Pandya is turning it on! Two in a row, and the Mumbai fans are on their feet!" Sunil Gavaskar remarked.

At the other end, Kieron Pollard joined the carnage.

When Umesh Yadav bowled a slower one, Pollard waited, picked it up early, and pulled it effortlessly into the midwicket stands.

"That's HUGE! Kieron Pollard sends it out of Hyderabad!" Ravi Shastri roared.

The final over was chaos. Hardik, now on 68 off 32, flicked the first ball from Saini for six. Two balls later, Pollard carved one over extra cover for another maximum.

As the final ball was bowled, Pollard punched it past mid-off for a single.

The scoreboard flashed:

Mumbai Indians – 221/4 in 20 overs.

A massive total.

The Mumbai dugout was all smiles—they knew they had put RCB under real pressure.

But in the RCB camp, there was no panic.

Virat adjusted his gloves, turning to Advay beside him. "We've chased big totals before. This is no different."

Advay smirked, picking up his bat. "Time to finish what we started."

The crowd, which had started the innings full of energy and hope, was beginning to quiet down. The Mumbai Indians bowlers had completely taken control of the match.

Virat Kohli, standing at the striker's end, knew he had to stabilize the innings. But he also knew that RCB couldn't afford to go too slow—221 was too big of a target to chase cautiously.

At the top of his mark, Lasith Malinga ran in, his iconic slinging action on display.

The ball landed on a good length, swinging in late. Virat leaned forward and pushed it toward midwicket for a sharp two.

"Good intent from Kohli," remarked Harsha Bhogle. "RCB need boundaries, but for now, they also need to keep the scoreboard ticking."

On the very next ball, Malinga adjusted his length slightly, going full outside off. Virat, ever so quick on his feet, stepped across and flicked it wristily past square leg for four.

"Classic Kohli! That's pure timing!" shouted Sanjay Manjrekar.

But just when it seemed like Kohli was settling in, Mumbai struck again.

In the 6th over, Bumrah came steaming in, bowling a brutal short ball at 147 kmph. Virat, looking to take him on, went for the pull shot. But the ball got big on him, taking the top edge and flying toward fine leg.

For a moment, the stadium held its breath.

Krunal Pandya sprinted in from the boundary, dived forward, and took the catch inches above the turf.

"GOT HIM! VIRAT KOHLI IS GONE!" boomed Ravi Shastri. "This is a HUGE moment in the final!"

The Mumbai Indians celebrated wildly, knowing they had dismissed RCB's biggest match-winner.

Kohli looked back at the pitch for a second, his frustration clear, before shaking his head and walking off.

RCB: 65/3 in 6.4 overs.

"He went for the right shot," said Sunil Gavaskar, "but Bumrah's pace made all the difference. RCB is in trouble now."

As Kohli disappeared into the dugout, AB de Villiers walked in. The stadium roared in excitement—if there was anyone who could rescue RCB from this collapse, it was him.

Facing Rahul Chahar in the 8th over, de Villiers wasted no time.

The leg-spinner tossed one up on off stump, and AB stepped out, meeting the ball with perfect timing, launching it deep into the stands over long-off for six!

"That's GONE! AB de Villiers with an absolute beauty!" Harsha Bhogle's voice was filled with excitement.

The crowd came alive again, chanting AB's name.

But once again, Mumbai struck at the perfect moment.

AB, looking to go big again, tried to sweep Chahar against the spin in the same over. This time, however, he misjudged the length. The ball gripped and skidded under his bat, crashing into middle stump.

"Cleaned him up!" shouted Sanjay Manjrekar. "AB de Villiers was looking dangerous, but Chahar has knocked him over!"

The Mumbai players pounced in celebration, knowing that one of RCB's biggest weapons had been removed.

RCB: 74/4 in 8.1 overs.

"It just keeps getting worse for Bangalore," said Sunil Gavaskar. "AB tried to be aggressive, but this pitch is holding up slightly, and Mumbai is taking full advantage."

Moeen Ali walked in next, needing to stabilize things with Advay, who had watched three wickets fall from the non-striker's end.

For a few overs, he and Advay rotated the strike, picking up singles and twos to keep the scoreboard moving.

Then, in the 10th over, Moeen decided to take on Krunal Pandya.

The left-arm spinner floated one outside off, and Moeen got down on one knee, sweeping it powerfully over deep square leg for six!

"Finally, some release for RCB!" said Harsha Bhogle. "Moeen Ali takes the attack to Krunal Pandya!"

But just when it looked like RCB had some control back, disaster struck again.

In the same over, Moeen went for another sweep—but this time, he got a top edge.

The ball looped up high, and de Kock sprinted forward from behind the stumps, calling for it. He dived and took a low catch just inches off the ground!

"Another one gone!" Ravi Shastri exclaimed. "Moeen Ali departs, and Mumbai is all over this final!"

RCB: 89/5 in 10 overs.

The Bangalore fans in the stands fell silent.

Advay, still at the crease, adjusted his gloves, his expression unreadable. He had watched Virat, AB, and Moeen all depart in a span of four overs.

As Washington Sundar walked to the crease, the pressure in the stadium was palpable. The scoreboard read 89/5 in 10 overs, and RCB's hopes of lifting their first-ever IPL trophy were hanging by a thread. The Mumbai Indians were in complete control, their players buzzing with confidence as they sensed victory within reach.

Advay Rai, standing at the striker's end, watched as Washington took his guard. Then, he walked up to him, his expression calm despite the chaos around them.

Washington looked up, adjusting his gloves. "This is looking bad," he muttered under his breath.

Advay shook his head slightly. "It's not over yet."

Washington exhaled. "The required rate is climbing. We'll need to start hitting soon."

Advay placed a hand on his shoulder. "No, we don't. Not yet." His voice was firm, steady. "Listen to me—stay calm. Rotate the strike. Play the anchor. I'll take the risks."

Washington frowned. "But—"

"Trust me," Advay cut him off. "If we both start swinging, we'll lose more wickets. They're expecting panic. We don't give them that."

Washington hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll hold my end."

Advay gave him a slight nod before turning back toward the bowler. As he settled into his stance, his grip on the bat tightened slightly. The job was now his. If RCB was to have any chance at this chase, it would be on him.

At the top of his mark, Jasprit Bumrah stood ready, ball in hand, eyes locked onto Advay. He knew this was the moment to finish off RCB.

The next phase of the final had begun.

The stadium was alive with energy, but in the middle, Advay Rai was the definition of calm. The pressure didn't seem to affect him—if anything, it only made him sharper, deadlier.

With every passing over, RCB clawed their way back. The run rate was climbing, but Advay was picking his moments perfectly, calculating every risk, every shot.

In the 15th over, Hardik Pandya bowled a slower short ball, trying to deceive him.

Advay read it instantly. He waited, shifted his weight back, and flat-batted it over deep midwicket for SIX!

"ADVAY RAI! HE'S NOT DONE YET!" shouted Harsha Bhogle as the ball disappeared into the stands.

Hardik adjusted his length, going full and wide outside off.

Advay reached out and sliced it over backward point for FOUR!

"Smart cricket!" said Sunil Gavaskar. "He's playing the field brilliantly!"

RCB needed 68 off 30 balls. The game was still in MI's control, but the momentum was shifting.

The 16th over belonged to Advay.

Lasith Malinga came in, looking to shut things down. First ball—perfect yorker on middle stump.

Advay, showing ridiculous reflexes, bent his back leg, opened the bat face, and guided it between short third man and point for FOUR!

"That is GENIUS!" Sanjay Manjrekar shouted. "A proper cricketing shot under immense pressure!"

Next ball, Malinga went full again. This time, Advay stepped forward and lofted it clean over extra cover!

SIX!

"The young man is taking on a legend!" Ravi Shastri's voice boomed.

The equation came down to 52 off 24 balls.

RCB's dugout was buzzing. Virat was pacing.

18th over—Bumrah returned.

Everyone expected a tight over, but Advay had other plans.

Bumrah bowled a 145 kmph short ball, angling into the body.

Advay rode the bounce, controlled the shot, and pulled it perfectly behind square for FOUR!

"HE'S TOYING WITH THE FIELD!" Harsha Bhogle yelled.

Bumrah wasn't happy. He went for the yorker next—but it turned into a low full toss.

Advay cleared his front leg and drilled it straight past the bowler.

The ball rocketed to the boundary!

"FOUR MORE! THIS IS A MASTERCLASS!" shouted Sanjay Manjrekar.

RCB needed 29 off 12 balls.

The 19th over was entrusted to Hardik Pandya.

His first ball was a slower one, on a length.

Advay picked it early and swung cleanly through the line—sending it sailing over long-on for SIX!

"ADVAY RAI CANNOT BE STOPPED!" Ravi Shastri roared.

Next ball, Hardik went full and straight.

Advay stayed deep in the crease, got under it, and scooped it over fine leg!

Another boundary!

"WHAT ARE WE WITNESSING?" Harsha Bhogle couldn't believe it.

RCB needed 22 off the last over.

The entire stadium was standing.

Virat clenched his fists in the dugout, shouting, "One more over, boys!"

Advay took off his helmet for a second, wiped his face, and looked at the scoreboard.

One over. 22 runs.

The IPL 2019 Final was heading for a grandstand finish.

Lasith Malinga took his mark at the top of his run-up. The entire stadium was on its feet, the energy electric, the noise deafening. RCB needed 22 off the last over.

Advay Rai was on strike. The weight of every single RCB fan rested on his shoulders.

Malinga exhaled, sweat trickling down his face. He had defended impossible totals before. But the man standing across from him—Advay Rai, the crown prince of Indian cricket—was in a zone unlike any other.

The umpire signaled. The final over of the IPL 2019 Final began.

First ball – Malinga to Advay – SIX!

Malinga bowled full, just outside off stump, aiming for a yorker, but missed his mark by inches.

Advay read it early, stepped forward, and launched it cleanly over long-off!

The ball soared into the night sky, disappearing into the stands.

The Chinnaswamy fans watching in Bengaluru erupted!

The Hyderabad crowd exploded with chants of "ADVAY! ADVAY! ADVAY!"

"HE'S STILL ALIVE! ADVAY RAI IS STILL FIGHTING!" Harsha Bhogle's voice cracked with excitement.

16 off 5 needed.

Second ball – Malinga to Advay – FOUR!

Malinga adjusted, going full and wide, trying to cramp Advay for space.

But Advay anticipated it, reached out, and sliced it past backward point! The ball screamed to the boundary!

"FOUR MORE! THIS KID IS UNREAL!" Ravi Shastri shouted.

The RCB dugout was on its feet! Virat Kohli clenched his fists, screaming, "COME ON!"

12 off 4 needed.

Third ball – Malinga to Advay – Two runs

Malinga, under pressure, went for a perfect yorker.

Advay dug it out, pushing it toward deep midwicket and took off immediately.

Washington Sundar sprinted, turned, and they completed a second run!

"SMART BATTING!" Sanjay Manjrekar said. "Boundaries aren't easy, so he's keeping the strike!"

10 off 3 needed.

Fourth ball – Malinga to Advay – Two runs

Another low full toss from Malinga.

Advay flicked it into the leg side again, and this time, they ran hard for another two!

"HE'S TAKING IT DEEP!" Harsha Bhogle said. "RCB NEEDS EIGHT OFF TWO BALLS!"

8 off 2 needed.

Fifth ball – Malinga to Advay – Two runs

Malinga, desperate, bowled full on the pads.

Advay whipped it toward deep square leg, the fielder rushing in!

They completed one run easily, but Advay turned and charged back for the second!

"THEY'VE MADE IT!" Sanjay Manjrekar shouted!

RCB needed 6 off 1 ball.

The stadium was shaking.

Virat, in the dugout, had his hands on his head. The RCB fans prayed, screamed, hoped.

Malinga, hands on his knees, took a deep breath.

"IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS. SIX TO WIN." Harsha Bhogle's voice trembled with anticipation.

Malinga ran in.

Final ball – Malinga to Advay

It was full, straight, right in the slot.

Advay swung cleanly, powerfully, sending the ball flying toward deep midwicket.

The ball soared into the night sky, traveling fast—every single person in the stadium watching it in stunned silence.

For a second, it looked like it would clear the ropes.

But then—it dipped.

The ball pitched just inches before the boundary line and skidded into the advertising cushions.

FOUR.

RCB lost the IPL 2019 Final by TWO RUNS.

For a moment, there was pure silence.

Then, the Mumbai Indians players ran onto the field, celebrating wildly! Malinga dropped to his knees in relief, his teammates swarming him.

Advay stood in the middle, staring at the boundary rope. He had almost done the impossible.

He closed his eyes, clenched his jaw, and took a slow breath.

RCB had come so close.

But it wasn't enough.

Mumbai Indians were IPL 2019 champions.