Cricket is always known as the gentleman’s game. People have associated cricketers to be role-models over the years. Players like Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, and Kane Williamson have always held up the spirit of the game. But the sport has seen bitter rivalries across decades. Players have formed animosity and have felt it tough to let that emotion go. It is primarily thanks to franchise cricket that players have been able to form special bonds with each other.
We at StumpsandBails will be looking at 6 on-field rivals who were once teammates:
#6 Steve Smith and Eoin Morgan
It is hard to believe that Steve Smith and Eoin Morgan once represented a common team. It will be even harder to digest the fact that they both played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. Steve Smith and Eoin Morgan are key members of their countries who play the sport with distinction. While the duo represented RCB for just a year, but it worth noting that now on-field rivals were teammates once.
Also Read | 5 Overseas Players CSK Can Buy In IPL 2021 Auction
#5 Ravindra Jadeja and Kamran Akmal
The India-Pakistan rivalry has been the fiercest of all cricketing rivalries. Players from both teams have often had a go at each other. There have been times when they have literally gone blow for blow. But what is interesting to observe is that former Pakistani wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal and upcoming Indian talent, Ravindra Jadeja were once teammates. The duo played for Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural season of IPL in 2008. RR went on to win the IPL trophy in the first edition.
#4 Rahul Dravid and Misbah-ul-Haq
Rahul Dravid and Misbah-ul-Haq were the batting cornerstone of India and Pakistan respectively. They played conventional cricket and were easily the best Test batsmen of their teams during their playing days. The duo had assembled for a common team in 2008 when they represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural season of 2008. While RCB finished 7th in the league table, the duo did leave a fine impact on the side.
Also Read | AUS vs IND: Anand Mahindra Gifts THAR SUV To 6 Indian Players
#3 Virender Sehwag and Glenn McGrath
The inception of IPL saw many cricketing idols coming under one roof. While we saw Shahid Afridi partner with Andrew Symonds on the other hand we saw Virender Sehwag and Glenn McGrath plying their trades for a common team. The swashbuckling opening batsman and one of the best pacers were picked up by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the first-ever IPL.
#2 Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya
Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya have often engaged in the battle of Asian supremacy while they played for India and Sri Lanka respectively. But the duo joined forces for Mumbai Indians in the inaugural season of IPL in 2008. It was a sight for fans to behold.
#1 Virat Kohli and Steve Smith
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are constantly fighting each other to stake claim as the world’s best batsmen. But not many know that they both played for RCB in 2010. Who would have thought that the duo had once played together and that too for a common team?
