Indian Cricketers are always the centre of attraction whenever and wherever they play cricket. Since the rise of IPL, we have Indian cricketers develop a solid bond with international cricketers. The IPL has allowed Indian cricketers to be friends with their on-field rivals for close to two months every year.
Cricket in India has not only opened up opportunities for worldwide cricket teams but has also boosted companionship among the cricketers of various countries. The Indian Premier League, where players from multiple countries play together as a team, has proved that friendship knows no bounds. The difference in nationality and playing against each other has created some special bonds between players.
The top international cricketers feature in the IPL which allows Indian cricketers to learn from some of the best players in the world and also get to know them better. In this feature, we look ahead at 5 Indian cricketers who have now become best friends with their on-field rivals.
5 Indian Cricketers Who Are Best Friends With Their On-Field Rivals
5. T. Natarajan and David Warner
T. Natarajan made a name for himself when he made his IPL debut under the captaincy of David Warner. The SRH skipper allowed Natarajan to showcase his talent in front of the world and allowed him to play consistently in the season. The two enjoyed playing with each other in the IPL and became very good mates.
Warner always appreciated Natarajan and even congratulated him on social when he got selected for the Australian tour. Warner is excited to play with Natarajan again in the upcoming IPL which will be played in India during April-May 2021.
Also Read: T. Natarajan Reveals He Got Emotional When Virat Kohli Gave Him The Winning Trophy
4. Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga
Jasprit Bumrah is currently one of the most complete fast bowlers in the world. The young Indian fast bowler very early on in his career was mentored by the great Lasith Malinga at Mumbai Indians. Bumrah has always tagged Malinga as his idol who has helped him a lot when it comes to his bowling.
The two became friends during IPL 2013 when Bumrah became a part of the MI franchise. Bumrah too is now known for bowling deadly yorkers a skill which he has perfected under the guidance of Malinga.
When recently Malinga announced his retirement from franchise cricket Bumrah acknowledged his idol and posted a special tweet.
“It’s been an honour playing alongside you and picking your brain all these years, Mali. Congratulations on a successful career, the IPL won’t be the same without you”, Bumrah tweeted.
3. Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle
Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle became the best of friends as soon as both became teammates at RCB. The two shared several memorable partnerships on the field which made them crowd favourites wherever they played together. The two soon became great buddies and would be spotted dancing and partying after every RCB match.
Even when the two played against each other in the international arena they would still pull each other’s leg and even were spotted shaking a leg during an ODI match. All thanks to the IPL as fans got to witness the entertaining friendship between the two which continues even after a decade.
2. Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard
The two Mumbai Indians destructive batsmen are a nightmare for any opposition they play against in the IPL. Much like how Malinga guided Bumrah, Pollard also helped Hardik evolve as a batsman in the biggest T20 league. Both Krunal and Hardik now consider Pollard as their big brother and are always spotted hanging out together in the IPL.
The two have always been all praises for one another and never miss an opportunity to praise each other during the IPL. Hardik often posts photos with Pollard during IPL and always tags him as an MI legend. During IPL 2020 the stand-in MI skipper also admired match-winner Hardik Pandya numerous times.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: Top 5 Available Spin Options For Team India
Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers
Last but certainly not the least how can we not talk about the friendship between Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers. Arguably the two greatest batsmen of their generation have shared great respect whenever they have played cricket together. The two have always maintained that they now share a lifelong friendship much to the delight of their crazy fan base.
Both Kohli and De Villiers are the major attraction whenever they play together for RCB during IPL. Whether it be with the bat in hand or in the field the duo never miss an opportunity to interact with each other. The two share some heart-warming pictures on their social media during IPL.
Also Read: Virat Kohli And Anushka Sharma Reveal The Name Of Their Baby Girl
“I’m scared of saying anything to him now because. If I say like, “Oh, I like your shoes.” The next minute he organizes me those shoes. I’m like, “Virat, just stop it”. He looks after everyone. I was like, “My phone is flat again.” “Oh, you need a power bank”, AB de Villiers said about his friendship with Virat Kohli during IPL 2020.
”There you go. Now it’s mine. He’s ridiculous, man. I told him I like coffee the other day. Now I’m getting an espresso machine- he’s ordered on Amazon. It’s being delivered tomorrow”, he added.