The Indian team arrived in Indore for the third One Day International. The hotel lobby was quiet. The players went straight to their rooms to rest.
Siddanth dropped his kit bag near the door of his room. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out his phone. He initiated a video call.
Krithika answered quickly. She was sitting on the sofa in the Shamshabad farmhouse living room. She wore a simple kurthi. Anjali was sitting on the floor next to the coffee table, peeling an apple.
"Did you reach the hotel?" Krithika asked.
"Just now," Siddanth said, relaxing his shoulders. "How are you feeling today? Are you eating properly?"
"I am eating all the time," Krithika smiled, rubbing her stomach lightly. "Your mother and my sister do not let my plate stay empty. If I finish a bowl of fruit, Anjali brings me a glass of milk. If I finish the milk, your mother brings me dry fruits."
Anjali looked up at the camera. "I am just doing my duty, Bava. You told me to guard her and make sure she eats on time. The twins need food."
"You are doing a good job, Anju," Siddanth chuckled. He looked back at Krithika. "Just a few more matches. Then I will be home."
"Focus on the matches," Krithika told him. "You just scored your hundredth century. The media is going crazy. They are already talking about you tying Sachin sir's record."
"I don't listen to the media," Siddanth said smoothly. "I will call you after the match tomorrow."
The third ODI began the next afternoon at the Holkar Stadium. The pitch in Indore was completely flat, offering no help to the bowlers.
Steve Smith won the toss for Australia and chose to bat first. The Australian openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner, took advantage of the flat pitch. They scored heavily in the first ten overs.
Siddanth brought himself into the attack in the middle overs to control the run rate. He bowled a tight line, aiming straight at the stumps. He broke the opening partnership by trapping Aaron Finch LBW with a straight delivery. A few overs later, he bowled a slower cutter that deceived Glenn Maxwell, who chipped the ball straight to mid-off for an easy catch.
Siddanth finished his spell with two crucial wickets, pulling the Australian run rate down. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal bowled well in the final overs. Australia finished their innings at 293 for 6.
India began the run chase. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane gave a very solid start, putting up a century partnership. Virat Kohli came in and continued the momentum.
Siddanth walked out to bat at number four. He did not need to take any big risks. The required run rate was well under control. He pushed the ball into the gaps for singles and twos, letting Kohli play the aggressive shots.
Kohli scored a brilliant 78 before getting caught in the deep. MS Dhoni joined Siddanth.
Siddanth anchored the chase perfectly. He hit the bad balls for boundaries but focused mostly on rotating the strike. He reached his half-century smoothly. He and Dhoni chased down the target in the forty-eighth over.
Siddanth finished the match unbeaten on 62 runs. India won by five wickets, securing a 3-0 lead in the series. The trophy was officially theirs.
The teams traveled to Bengaluru for the fourth ODI.
The match took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The weather was cool, and the crowd was loud.
Siddanth won the toss and chose to bowl first. He wanted to test his fast bowlers.
Australia started aggressively again. David Warner looked determined to score a big century. He hit boundaries against Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the powerplay.
Siddanth took the ball in the tenth over. He knew he had to break the rhythm.
He ran in and bowled a fast, full delivery outside the off-stump. Warner tried to drive it, got a thick outside edge, and was caught safely by MS Dhoni behind the stumps.
In his next over, Siddanth bowled a sharp bouncer to Steve Smith. The Australian captain tried to pull it, got a top edge, and the ball went straight to fine leg for a simple catch.
Siddanth was relentless. The pitch offered good bounce, and he used it to his advantage. He returned in the death overs and completely dismantled the Australian lower order. He bowled fast, accurate yorkers. He shattered the stumps of Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade in the same over. On the final ball of his spell, he trapped Pat Cummins LBW.
He led his team off the field holding the ball high. He had taken 5 wickets for just 35 runs.
Australia was restricted to 240 runs.
During the Indian run chase, the top order faltered slightly. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early by Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Siddanth walked in at 45 for 2.
He took complete responsibility for the chase. He batted with calm authority. He did not hit a single ball in the air for the first thirty runs. He built a solid partnership with Kedar Jadhav.
Once the target came below fifty runs, Siddanth accelerated. He hit two big sixes over long-on against the spinners. He reached his half-century and continued to guide the team home.
He hit the winning boundary in the forty-fifth over. He remained unbeaten on 91 runs.
India won the match by six wickets. The series score was 4-0.
The final match of the series brought the teams to Mumbai.
The Wankhede Stadium was completely sold out. The atmosphere was a festival. Everyone in the city was hoping for a milestone to be achieved today. Siddanth Deva was sitting on 100 international centuries. One more century would tie him with the greatest player in the history of the sport.
Up in the VIP box, the man himself, Sachin Tendulkar, sat quietly, wearing a simple blue shirt, watching the ground staff prepare the pitch.
In the broadcast box, Harsha Bhogle and Sunil Gavaskar looked out at the packed stands.
"Welcome to Mumbai," Harsha Bhogle said into his microphone. "This is the fifth and final ODI of this series. India has already won the series 4-0. But nobody in this stadium cares about the series score today. They are here for one man. They are here to witness history."
"The stage is set perfectly, Harsha," Sunil Gavaskar added. "Siddanth Deva stands on the verge of tying Sachin Tendulkar's legendary record of 101 international centuries. The Wankhede Stadium is Sachin's home ground. To do it here would be poetic."
Siddanth walked out to the center for the toss. He looked relaxed. He won the toss and chose to bat first.
Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane opened the innings. Rohit hit a few early boundaries but chased a wide ball and was caught at slip in the fourth over.
Virat Kohli walked out to bat. Kohli and Rahane built a strong partnership, pushing the score past the hundred mark. Kohli looked in great form, hitting crisp cover drives.
In the twenty-second over, Rahane tried to sweep Adam Zampa and was given out LBW.
The stadium announcer called the fall of the wicket. The crowd did not stay quiet for even a second. A massive, unified roar shook the stands.
Siddanth Deva walked down the pavilion steps.
He walked slowly, tapping his bat against his leg pad. The entire stadium chanted his name.
"Listen to that reception," Harsha Bhogle noted. "The expectation is heavy. He knows what they want today."
Siddanth took his guard. He faced Pat Cummins. He pushed the first ball to point for no run.
For the next fifteen overs, Siddanth and Virat Kohli batted together. They played proper, sensible cricket. Siddanth rotated the strike, letting Kohli take the lead in scoring boundaries. Siddanth reached his half-century in 50 balls with a simple single to long-off. He just raised his bat.
Kohli scored a brilliant 85 runs before trying to hit a six and getting caught on the boundary rope.
MS Dhoni walked out to join Siddanth.
With ten overs left in the innings, Siddanth changed his gears. He started reading the Australian bowlers easily. When Marcus Stoinis bowled short, Siddanth pulled him into the stands. When Adam Zampa tossed the ball up, Siddanth stepped out and hit it straight down the ground for boundaries.
He moved into the eighties. The crowd cheered for every single run.
He hit a boundary past point. He reached 92.
He hit a double to deep square leg. He reached 94.
He pushed a single to cover. He reached 95.
The tension in the Wankhede Stadium was absolute. Everyone was on their feet. In the VIP box, Sachin Tendulkar leaned forward, a proud smile forming on his face.
It was the forty-seventh over. Pat Cummins was bowling. Siddanth was on strike, batting on 96.
Cummins ran in and bowled a fast, full delivery on the off-stump.
Siddanth stepped forward, presented a perfectly straight bat, and drove the ball flawlessly past the mid-off fielder. The timing was pure. The ball raced across the green grass and hit the boundary rope.
Four runs.
The stadium erupted into absolute chaos.
"HE HAS DONE IT!" Harsha Bhogle shouted, his voice ringing over the deafening roar of the crowd. "CENTURY NUMBER 101! SIDDANTH DEVA EQUALS THE GREAT SACHIN TENDULKAR! HE STANDS AT THE VERY SUMMIT OF WORLD CRICKET!"
"What an unbelievable achievement," Sunil Gavaskar added, his voice full of emotion. "We are witnessing the best player of this generation. To tie that record at the age of twenty-six... it leaves you speechless."
Down on the pitch, Siddanth took his helmet off. Sweat coated his forehead.
He looked toward the Indian dressing room. Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar, and all the players were standing on the balcony, clapping loudly.
Siddanth looked up toward the VIP box. He saw Sachin Tendulkar standing up, clapping his hands above his head, a massive smile on his face.
Siddanth nodded his head in deep respect toward the legend.
Then, Siddanth looked down at his custom Nike bat in his right hand.
He raised and opened his fingers.
He let the bat drop.
It fell from his hand and hit the dry pitch with a dull thud.
He stood there, perfectly still, his helmet in his left hand, his right hand empty. He looked calm, cold, and entirely dominant.
The crowd went even crazier.
The Australian players, led by Steve Smith and David Warner, stopped in their fielding positions. They clapped their hands, offering applause for the milestone. They understood the history they had just witnessed.
MS Dhoni walked down the pitch and hugged Siddanth, patting his back firmly.
Siddanth bent down, picked his bat up, and put his helmet back on. He finished the rest of the innings strongly, hitting a few more sixes. India posted a massive total of 330 for 4. Siddanth finished unbeaten on 122 runs.
During the innings break, the atmosphere in the dressing room was warm. Ravi Shastri patted Siddanth on the shoulder.
"Excellent innings, Sid," Shastri said. "Let's finish the sweep now."
Siddanth took the new white ball for the second innings. He opened the bowling with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Siddanth ran in fast. He bowled a perfect out-swinger to Aaron Finch on the very first ball of the innings. Finch tried to defend, got a thick outside edge, and Ajinkya Rahane took a sharp catch at slip.
Two overs later, Siddanth bowled a sharp in-swinger that trapped David Warner LBW.
With the two openers gone early, the Australian run chase derailed completely. The Indian spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, controlled the middle overs perfectly. MS Dhoni executed two fast stumpings.
Australia was bowled out for 250 runs in the forty-fifth over.
India won the match by 80 runs. They had completely swept the series 5-0.
The post-match presentation took place on the field. The floodlights illuminated the stage. Harsha Bhogle stood near the podium with the trophies.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a historic 5-0 series sweep for India," Harsha announced to the cheering crowd. "And the man who made history today takes both the Man of the Match and the Player of the Series awards. Please welcome the Indian captain, Siddanth Deva!"
Siddanth walked up to the stage. He accepted the trophies and the prize checks.
"Siddanth, congratulations," Harsha smiled broadly. "A series sweep, massive runs, crucial wickets. But today was all about the 101st century. Tying Sachin Tendulkar's record. How do you feel in this moment?"
Siddanth adjusted the microphone stand.
"It feels very satisfying, Harsha Bhai," Siddanth answered honestly. "Records are built through a long process. I am just happy I could execute my plans today and help the team post a winning total."
"To tie the record here at the Wankhede, with Sachin watching from the stands," Harsha noted. "It must be special."
"It is," Siddanth agreed. "Sachin paaji has always been an inspiration to all of us. But I want to take a moment to thank the people who actually made this possible. I want to thank my parents for their unconditional support. I want to thank my wife, Krithika, who is watching at home right now, for always keeping me grounded. I want to thank my best friends, and every single teammate in the dressing room."
Siddanth looked out at the packed stands. "And thank you to the fans. You make this game beautiful."
"A brilliant speech, Siddanth," Harsha smiled. "You have tied the record now. The entire world is waiting for century number 102 to break it. You are going to make Sachin paaji very nervous."
Siddanth chuckled lightly. He looked up at the VIP box.
"I don't think Sachin paaji gets nervous, Harsha Bhai," Siddanth joked smoothly into the microphone. "But I will try to make the wait for the next one short."
The broadcast camera immediately panned to the VIP box. Sachin Tendulkar was laughing loudly at the comment.
Siddanth took his individual awards and walked back to his team. The BCCI officials handed him the massive series trophy. He walked to the back of the group and handed the cup to Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav. The team cheered as the confetti cannons fired into the night sky.
---
The transition from the One Day Internationals to the T20 series was quick. The Indian squad flew directly to Ranchi.
Inside the team hotel, the atmosphere was very relaxed. They had just secured a historic 5-0 sweep in the ODI series, dominating the Australian team.
Ravi Shastri gathered the players in the team room for a short meeting before their first practice session. He stood at the front, wearing his usual casual shorts and a polo shirt.
"Listen up, boys," Shastri said, his booming voice filling the room. "We had a great ODI series. You guys played flawless cricket. But the Australians will come hard at us in the T20s. It is a short format. They have big hitters. Do not take them lightly."
Shastri looked around the room, making eye contact with the players.
"Having said that, we are not changing our approach," Shastri continued. "Go out there, play with freedom, and enjoy the game. Let's finish this tour on a high."
The first T20 International took place at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. It was MS Dhoni's home ground, and the crowd support was massive.
Siddanth won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The Australian openers, David Warner and Aaron Finch, walked out with aggressive intent. They wanted to attack early to shake off the ODI series defeat. They went after Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay, finding boundaries over the infield.
Australia reached 50 runs in just five overs.
Siddanth brought himself into the attack in the sixth over to break the momentum.
He ran in and bowled a fast, full delivery. Aaron Finch tried to hit it over mid-on, but the ball swung away slightly. It took the outside edge and flew to short third man. Jasprit Bumrah took a safe catch.
In the commentary box, Harsha Bhogle's voice rose with excitement.
"711! Siddanth Deva has just reached 711 international wickets. He equals Harbhajan Singh as the second-highest wicket-taker for India and moves into 10th position in the all-time list alongside Bhajji. What a milestone for the Siddanth Deva!"
In his next over, Siddanth bowled a sharp bouncer to Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell went for the pull shot, but the ball rushed onto him. He top-edged it, and MS Dhoni took a simple catch behind the stumps.
Harsha Bhogle could barely contain his excitement. "711 for Finch… and now 712 for Maxwell! Siddanth Deva has broken the record! He surpasses Harbhajan Singh to become the second-highest wicket-taker for India. At the age of just 26, Siddanth has done it in fewer matches than anyone else — the fastest to this milestone in 321 innings . The Devil continues to rewrite history!"
Sunil Gavaskar added, "Absolutely remarkable. To be second only to Anil Kumble at 26 years old is simply phenomenal."
Harsha Bhogle continued excitedly, "Sunny-pajji, now the big question — can he go past Anil Kumble and eventually challenge Muttiah Muralitharan's all-time record?"
Gavaskar replied thoughtfully, "I think breaking Anil Kumble's record is very much on the cards. Siddanth is still only 26 and bowling beautifully in all formats. But Muralitharan's 1347 wickets… that will be extremely difficult. Siddanth is a fast bowler, the physical strain on his body, especially his legs and back, is much higher than what a spinner faces."
Harsha added, "True, but if there is one player who can do it, it's Siddanth Deva. He is arguably the fittest cricketer in the world right now. His work ethic, fitness regime, and discipline are unmatched. If anyone can defy the odds and chase down that record as a pace bowler, it is this man."
Siddanth broke the back of the Australian batting lineup. He picked up three crucial wickets in his four-over spell, giving away only 22 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav choked the middle overs. Australia managed to post 158 runs.
During the run chase, Rohit Sharma gave India a fast start. He hit three sixes before getting bowled. Virat Kohli scored a quick 35 runs.
Siddanth walked out to bat at number four.
Siddanth played a very mature, grounded innings. He did not go for massive sixes early on. He pushed the ball into the gaps, running hard with Dhoni. Once the target came below thirty runs, Siddanth opened up. He hit two boundaries past point and a flat six over long-on.
He reached his half-century smoothly. He and Dhoni finished the match in the nineteenth over. Siddanth remained unbeaten on 55 runs.
India won the first T20I by six wickets.
The teams packed their bags and flew to Guwahati for the second match.
The newly built Barsapara Stadium was hosting its first international match. The crowd was excited, filling the stands hours before the toss.
Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first.
The pitch was slightly damp. The Australian fast bowlers, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile, used the conditions well. They swung the ball sharply. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early. Shikhar Dhawan struggled before getting caught in the deep.
India was in trouble at 45 for 3 in the seventh over.
Siddanth walked out to bat. He knew he had to counter-attack to shift the pressure back onto the Australian bowlers.
He took his guard. He faced Marcus Stoinis.
Siddanth stepped out of his crease on the very first ball and drove it cleanly through extra cover for a boundary. On the next ball, he pulled a short delivery over the mid-wicket rope for a six.
He did not let the Australian bowlers settle into a rhythm. He played aggressive, risk-free cricket. He built a fast partnership with Kedar Jadhav. Siddanth scored a rapid 45 runs off just 20 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. He got out trying to clear the long-off boundary in the death overs, but his innings provided the momentum India needed.
MS Dhoni finished the innings strongly. India posted a challenging total of 175 runs.
When Australia came out to chase, the Indian fast bowlers struck early. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah picked up a wicket each in the powerplay.
David Warner tried to anchor the chase, but Siddanth brought himself into the attack. He bowled a perfect yorker that beat Warner's defense and crashed into his leg stump.
The Australian middle order crumbled against the wrist spinners. As the match reached the final overs, Siddanth returned to bowl the death overs. He executed wide yorkers flawlessly, giving the batsmen no room to free their arms. He took his second wicket by getting Moises Henriques caught at mid-off.
Australia was bowled out for 150 runs.
India won the match by 25 runs, securing the series with a 2-0 lead.
The final match of the tour brought Siddanth back to his home city.
The teams arrived in Hyderabad. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was completely sold out. The home crowd was heavily energized. Even though the match was a T20 International, thousands of fans came to support their local captain.
Siddanth walked out for the toss. The roar from the stadium was deafening. He waved to the crowd before shaking hands with David Warner, who was standing in as the Australian captain for the final game.
Siddanth won the toss and chose to bowl first.
"We want to chase on this ground," Siddanth told Harsha Bhogle at the toss. "The pitch is flat, and the dew might come in later. We want to restrict them and finish the series cleanly."
David Warner and Aaron Finch opened the batting for Australia. They knew they had nothing to lose. They attacked the Indian bowlers from the start. They hit boundaries in the powerplay, pushing the score past fifty quickly.
Siddanth took the ball in the eighth over.
He ran in from the Pavilion End. He bowled a fast, full delivery. Aaron Finch tried to hit it straight down the ground, but he mistimed it. The ball went high into the air. Virat Kohli took a safe catch at long-on.
In his next over, Siddanth bowled a sharp, rising bouncer to Steve Smith. Smith tried to pull it, got a top edge, and MS Dhoni took the catch safely.
Siddanth's double strike slowed down the Australian run rate. The Indian spinners bowled tight lines, forcing the Australian batsmen to take risks. Australia finished their twenty overs with a score of 160 for 6. Siddanth finished his spell with two wickets for 24 runs.
The Indian run chase began under the bright floodlights.
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave India a very solid start. They put up a fifty-run opening stand before Dhawan was caught at point. Virat Kohli came in and played a few beautiful drives but got out for 20 runs.
India was 85 for 2 in the tenth over.
Siddanth walked down the pavilion steps. The Hyderabad crowd went wild. They chanted his name continuously as he walked to the center of the pitch.
Siddanth took his guard against Adam Zampa.
He did not waste any time. He knew the pitch well. He stepped forward and drove his first ball through the covers for a boundary.
He and Rohit Sharma batted together smoothly. They rotated the strike and hit boundaries whenever the Australian bowlers offered loose deliveries. Siddanth played some incredible shots, picking the gaps effortlessly.
Rohit got out for a well-made 65 runs.
Hardik Pandya joined Siddanth.
Siddanth took complete control of the chase. He hit Jason Behrendorff for two consecutive boundaries. He pulled Nathan Coulter-Nile for a flat six over square leg.
He reached his half-century in just 28 balls. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
With ten runs needed to win, Siddanth faced Andrew Tye. He stepped across his stumps and flicked the ball perfectly past the short fine-leg fielder. The ball raced to the boundary. On the next ball, he hit a massive six straight over the bowler's head to finish the match.
India won the final T20I by seven wickets. Siddanth remained unbeaten on 62 runs from 32 balls.
The Indian players rushed onto the field to celebrate. They had swept the Australians in the T20 series.
The post-match presentation was set up on the field. The stadium lights shone brightly on the stage. Harsha Bhogle stood near the trophies.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a night in Hyderabad," Harsha announced to the cheering crowd. "The Indian team finishes the series with a 3-0 sweep. Please welcome the Man of the Match and the Player of the Series, the Indian captain, Siddanth Deva!"
Siddanth walked up to the stage. He accepted the trophies and shook hands with the officials.
"Siddanth, an incredible performance today," Harsha smiled. "Two wickets with the ball and 62 not out with the bat to finish the chase on your home ground. It must feel special."
"It always feels good to win in front of this crowd, Harsha," Siddanth replied smoothly into the microphone. "The fans here give us so much energy. The bowlers did a great job restricting them to 160 on a good batting track, and the top order set a solid platform for the chase."
Harsha Bhogle looked down at his notes. He looked back up at Siddanth with a look of genuine admiration.
"Siddanth, we have to talk about the records," Harsha said, his voice rising slightly. "Let us look at the complete picture of this year against Australia. Earlier this year, you led the team to a 3-0 series victory in the Border-Gavaskar Test series."
The crowd cheered loudly at the mention of the Test victory.
"Then," Harsha continued, "you swept them 5-0 in the One Day International series. And today, you complete a 3-0 sweep in the T20 series."
Harsha paused for dramatic effect.
"You are the very first Indian captain, and perhaps the first captain in the history of international cricket, to completely sweep a major team like Australia across all three formats in a single calendar year. Eleven limited-overs matches, three Test matches. Utter and complete domination. How do you process a record like that?"
The stadium erupted into a massive, deafening roar. The Indian players standing near the podium clapped loudly for their captain.
Siddanth stood calmly at the microphone. He did not look arrogant. He looked satisfied.
"It is a great achievement for the team," Siddanth answered honestly. "Playing against Australia is always a tough challenge. They push you to your limits. To win consistently against them across all formats requires discipline and focus from every single player in the dressing room."
Siddanth looked at his teammates standing off the stage.
"This record belongs to the boys," Siddanth continued. "The fast bowlers who ran in all day during the Test matches. The spinners who choked the runs in the ODIs. The batsmen who chased down tricky targets. I am just the captain who sets the field. The players execute the plans. I am very proud of this team."
"It has been a very long, demanding season," Harsha noted. "You now get a break before the next assignment. What are your plans?"
Siddanth smiled a genuine, warm smile.
"I am going to turn my phone off," Siddanth joked smoothly, making the crowd laugh. "I am going to spend some quiet time at home with my family. I am looking forward to just resting."
"You deserve the rest, Captain," Harsha smiled. "Congratulations on a historic year. Go lift that trophy."
Siddanth thanked Harsha. He took his awards and walked back to his team. The BCCI officials handed him the T20 series trophy. Siddanth walked straight to the back of the group and handed the trophy to Mohammed Siraj and Shreyas Iyer.
The confetti cannons fired. The team posed for the official photographs, laughing and celebrating the perfect end to a long, highly successful home season against the Australians.
Siddanth stood near the edge of the group. He had led his team to absolute supremacy. The Australians had been broken in every single format. The history books were rewritten again.
Now, he just wanted to go back to the farmhouse in Shamshabad. He wanted to sit on the sofa, drink coffee, and spend his days taking care of Krithika. The cricket was done for now. The family was waiting.