The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a big part in reducing player animosity. Players tend to get along way better than they used to earlier. The overseas rivalry has also lessened to a great extent. IPL franchises and leagues across the world have fostered great friendships. The game is played hard and fair while players enjoy cordial relationships with each other, lets see about Indian Players Who Are Best Friends With Overseas Players.
This friendship day, we bring to you 5 Indian players who are great friends with their overseas rivals:
#5 Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle
The game hasn’t seen better strikers of the cricket ball than Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle. These southpaws have destroyed many attacks singlehandedly. They both are known to hit the ball hard and party harder. Gayle and Yuvraj are two liveries off the field too. They both stuck a familial chord when they played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014. Since then they have maintained a fine friendship.
#4 MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo admires Mahendra Dhoni to the T. He literally idolises MS Dhoni. Chennai Super Kings brought Dwayne Bravo in 2011. Since then Bravo has played under the leadership of Dhoni. He considers Dhoni as the best captain he has ever played under. Bravo doesn’t just consider Dhoni as his friend, he treats him like his brother. Dhoni on the other hand considers Bravo as his main lieutenant. Their friendship is one for the ages.
#3 Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard
Hardik Pandya joined Mumbai Indians in 2015. Since then he has forged a beautiful friendship with MI veteran, Kieron Pollard. The West Indian allrounder has been a big influence on Pandya. Hardik loves picking Pollard’s brain during game situations. The duo has accomplished many heists together. Pollard even credited Hardik for his brilliant innings against CSK earlier this year. Fans even feel Pandya has taken over the Jamaican accent.
#2 Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara
Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were considered to be the fiercest batting rivals in the late 90s and early 00s. Tendulkar and Lara though were never vocal about the competition. But post their retirements, the duo have maintained a healthy friendship that has stood the test of time. Tendulkar is one cricketer who is always there by Lara’s side despite all odds. Lara to his credit also backs Tendulkar.
#1 Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is arguably the 21st century’s most innovative batsman. He set high standards not just for South Africa but for batsmen across the world. Virat Kohli on the other hand is arguably the best batsman of this century. The duo happened to meet while playing for RCB in 2011. Since then they have been the thickest of buddies.
AB de Villiers has stated on record that Kohli has often gone out of his way to get things done for him. He even fears to mention a basic need else Virat might get it for him. Kohli on the other hand is very vocal about his admiration for ABD. The duo share one of the greatest friendships the game has ever seen.