A short story about a child who teaches his father how to play cricket. Lessons can be in any order and should include not losing hope, not quitting, sportsmanship, focusing, practicing regularly, thinking positive, enjoying, thanking God for everything

Cricket and Life

Sahil is 5 and a half feet tall watching his son Kaveer practicing cricket while Sahil has returned from office wearing black pants and a white shirt. Kaveer looks up at his father with bright, excited eyes. Cricket bat and ball visible in Kaveer's hands. The evening sun casts a warm glow over their building garden.

Kaveer loved cricket!

Every evening, he would rush outside, bat and ball in hand, to play with his friends. His father, Sahil, was always busy with work to play.


The Challenge

Kaveer demonstrating the proper cricket bat grip to his father in their backyard. Sahil awkwardly holds the bat while Kaveer adjusts his father's hands with a teacher-like expression. Cricket stumps set up in the background. The evening light highlights their concentrated faces.

One day, seeing Kaveer’s excitement, Sahil said, “Maybe I should join Kaveer and give cricket a try.”

Kaveer’s eyes lit up. “Really, dad? I’ll teach you everything!”

First Lesson: Holding the Bat

Sahil batting and practicing cricket in the evening light, looking tired but determined. Kaveer bowling to Sahil. Cricket equipment scattered around them. The setting sun indicates it's after work hours.

They went to the park, and Kaveer handed his dad the bat. “Okay, first ball coming up!” he announced, running up to bowl.

Sahil swung and missed.

“Again!” Kaveer bowled another, and once again, his dad missed.

Kaveer's dad sighed. “Maybe I’m just not meant for cricket.”

Kaveer shook his head. “Rule Number 1: Never lose hope! You’ll get better if you keep trying.”

Encouraged, Kaveer's dad tried again.

Practice Makes Perfect

Sahil having just swung his bat and missed the cricket ball, looking disappointed. Kaveer standing beside him with a comforting hand on his father's back. The cricket ball visible on the ground behind them.

A few minutes later, he got tired and put the bat down. “I don’t think I can do this.”

Kaveer grinned. “Rule Number 2: Never quit! If you give up now, how will you ever improve? Don't worry, dad. Sachin Tendulkar missed balls too. What matters is you keep trying after missing.”

Sahil chuckled and picked up the bat again.

Missing the Ball

Sahil getting distracted while batting. Kaveer explaining him to focus and concentrate.

As they practiced, Kaveer noticed his dad getting distracted. “Daddu, Rule Number 3: Concentrate and Focus! Keep your eye on the ball. That’s the secret to hitting it. When we focus on one thing properly, we do better.”

Kaveer's dad nodded, concentrating harder. And soon, with practice, he hit his first shot!


The Art of Focus

Sahil having just hit the cricket ball cleanly, bat extended in follow-through position. Kaveer jumping with arms raised in celebration, face beaming with pride. The cricket ball visible flying through the air. Their shadows long in the late afternoon light.

Kaveer cheered. “See? That’s why Rule Number 4 is important: Practice regularly. The more you play, the better you get. We must celebrate every good hit.”

Sahil learned the importance of acknowledging small victories.

Celebrating Small Wins

Sahil and Kaveer shaking hands with each other on the sunny cricket ground as they talk about sportsmanship.

As they continued, Sahil accidentally hit the ball straight to a little boy standing nearby. Sahil laughed, “That was my best shot yet!”

Kaveer patted his dad's back. “Rule Number 5: Sportsmanship. It is not always about winning but about respecting others, playing fairly and spreading joy through the game.”

Kaveer's dad smiled. “You’re right, Kavu. Cricket is about showing respect and isn’t just about winning.”

Sahil watched proudly as Kaveer taught him what true sportsmanship is.

Playing in the Rain

Kaveer and Sahil sitting on a bench after playing cricket

After an hour of playing, they sat on a bench, tired but happy.

“Cricket is fun,” Sahil admitted.

Kaveer nodded. “That’s Rule Number 6: Enjoy what you do! If you love something, you’ll never feel like quitting.”


The Friendly Match

After finishing playing, Kaveer and Sahil standing with praying hands to thank God, in the evening sun

As the sun set, Kaveer looked up at the sky and said, “And the most important rule - Rule Number 7: Always thank God for everything. He gives us the strength to play and to learn. We should thank Him for everything in our lives, dad — even the difficult things that help us learn.”

The Difficult Bowler

Sahil looking at Kaveer, putting his hand on Kaveer's shoulder and thanking him. Kaveer looking up at him with a gentle smile. The cricket ground bathed in golden evening light. A reminder of the simple joy of the game visible in the contrast between father and son.

Kaveer's dad smiled, placing a hand on Kaveer's shoulder. “You’re right, Kavu. Every moment, every lesson, and every joy is a blessing. You didn’t just teach me cricket today. You taught me lessons for life.”

The Joy of Playing

Kaveer standing in the backyard cricket pitch and eyes looking at Sahil. Sahil watching his son with a touched expression. Cricket bat and ball resting nearby. The sky painted with beautiful sunset colors, emphasizing the spiritual moment.

From that day on, Kaveer and Sahil played together — not just as a father and son or a student and teacher, but...