I looked at Ali outside from the window. He was using a catapult to shoot one
marble to hit another one.
'So Ali has good reflexes. That's it?' Ish said.
'His reflexes are at least ten times better than ours. But there is more. Apart
from reflex action, the human brain makes decisions in two other ways. One is
the long, analysed mode - the problem goes through a rigorous analysis in our
brain and we decide the course of action. And then there is a separate, second
way that's faster but less accurate. Normally, the long way is used and we are
aware of it. But sometimes, in urgent situations, the brain chooses the shortcut
way. Call it a quick-think mode.'
We nodded as Dr Multani continued:
'In reflex action, the brain short-circuits the thinking process and acts. He can
just about duck, forget try to catch it. However, the response time is superfast.
Sports has moments that requires you to think in every possible way - analysed,
quick-think or reflex.'
And Ali?' Ish said.
Dr Multani picked up the MRI scan again. 'Ali's brain is fascinating. His first,
second and even the third reflex way of thinking is fused. His response time is as
fast as that of a reflex action, yet his decision making is as accurate as the
analysed mode. You may think he hit that superfast delivery of yours by luck, but
his brain saw its path easily. Like it was a soft throw.'
'But I bowled fast.'
'Yes, but his brain can register it and act accordingly. If it is hard to visualise ...
imagine that Ali sees the ball in slow motion A normal player will use the second
or third way of thinking to hit a fast ball. Ali uses the first. A normal player needs
years of practice to ensure his second way gets as accurate to play well. Ali
doesn't need to. That is his gift.'
It look us a minute to digest Dr Multani's words. We definitely had to use the
first way of thinking to understand it.
'To him a pace delivery is slow motion?' Ish tried again.
'Only to his brain, as it analyses fast. Of course, if you hit him with a fast ball
he will get hurt.'
'But how can he hit so far?' Ish said.
'He doesn't hit much. He changes direction of the already fast ball. The energy
in that ball is mostly yours.'
'Have you seen other gifted players like him?' I wanted to know.
'Not to this degree, this boy's brain is wired differently. Some may call it a
defect, so I suggest you don't make a big noise about it'
'He is Indian team material,' Ish said. 'Dr Multani, you know he is.'
Dr Multani sighed. 'Well, not at the moment. His headaches are a problem, for
instance. While his brain can analyse fast, it .ilso tires quickly. He needs to stay
in the game. He has to survive Until his brain gets refreshed to use the gift again.'
'Can that happen?' Ish said.
'Yes, under a training regimen. And he has to learn the other aspects of cricket.
I don't think he ever runs between the wickets. The boy has no stamina. He is
weak, almost malnourished,' the iloctor said.
I am going to coach him,' Ish vowed. And Omi will help. Omi will make him eat
and make him fit.'
'No, I can't,' Omi refused as all looked at him. 'Dr Verma, tell I hem why I can't.'
avery
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