Cricket is a game that can help individuals forge friendships that last a lifetime. Spending so much time together really helps cricketers know each other inside out and sometimes, players make friendships that go beyond the field.
Here’s a look at some of the best friendships in modern day cricket:
1. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene:
Two Sri Lankan legends who have given it their all for the country, Sangakkara and Jayawardene are also fantastic friends off the field. The two of them represented the country for almost two decades and their friendship is the stuff of legend.
Both players retired from the game very close to each other and wrote heart-warming tributes for each other. They have also mentioned about how their families are close and it is really heart-warming to see such a friendship grow over the years.
2. AB De Villiers and Dale Steyn:
The two South African legends have represented their country for many years at the highest level and have done it together. Both the players have been the best in their craft consistently for many years and though it may seem that they are in decline, their friendship gets stronger by the day.
De Villiers and Steyn made their debuts at around the same time for the national team and know each other inside out. Even during an IPL match where De Villiers took apart Steyn, he kept his celebrations to the bare minimum so as to not hurt the sentiments of one of his best mates in the game.
3. Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison:
Being best friends is one thing. Winning honours for your country and breaking a world record with him is another. Just ask Freddie Flintoff and Steve Harmison of England, who have been best mates for so many years, scripting one of the most famous Ashes victory of all time together.
Flintoff and Harmison is a unique friendship and they have protected each other during tough times. The two were huge heroes during the 2005 Ashes victory and have always spoken in glowing terms about each other. Even post retirement, the two love to hang out and spend a lot of time together and with their families.
4. VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid:
Indian cricket will forever be indebted to these two legends thanks to their innumerable partnerships that played a role in helping India win many matches. Both of them were also inseparable off the field, and that probably played a role in forging such incredible victories for the country.
Laxman and Dravid have spoken about their friendship on multiple occasions and their calm personalities certainly seems to have rubbed off each other.
5. Jason Gillespie and Glenn McGrath:
The Australian pacers represented the country for a very long time and showed their class on many occasions. Both these players were crucial for the success of their team and their friendship off the field played a big part.
Both Gillespie and McGrath were fantastic while bowling in tandem, with Gillespie wreaking havoc with his pace while McGrath’s disciplined line and length ensured that batsmen never got a moment of peace.
By Rohit Nair
