Happy Friendship Day 2021: Here are 5 cricketing pairs who are best friends

The world is celebrating Friendship Day on Sunday. On this day, people honour friends who are really close to their hearts.

Friendship is also relevant in sports, including cricket, while it is restricted within not only the team but also the rival team. Consequently, we look at the cricketing pairs who are best friends.

Virat Kohli-Mohammad Amir
Now, this might come as a shock, but Kohli and Amir have maintained a tremendous on-field rivalry. However, put their rivalry aside, they seem to have great chemistry off the field. The two are seen talking to each other whenever India and Pakistan face off in a competition. While Kohli termed Amir as the toughest bowler, he has faced to date, the latter terms the former as the best batsman in the world.

Sachin Tendulkar-Shane Warne
The greatest batsman vs one of the most excellent spinners, the rivalry between Tendulkar and Warne is well scripted. While Warne was famous for having troubled Tendulkar in the past, the latter also weathered the storm and gave it back to him on numerous occasions. However, despite their fierce rivalry, they continue to maintain great chemistry off the field and are often termed best friends. While Warne commented on Tendulkar's final Test, they also met Sir Don Bradman together. Also, Warne visited Tendulkar's house in Mumbai.

Virender Sehwag-Shoaib Akhtar
Akhtar happened to be one of the most fierce pace bowlers during his time. While there were a few selected batsmen who weathered his storm, one of them was swashbuckling Indian opener Virender Sehwag. However, despite all of their rivalry, the two maintained a healthy relationship that was visible through their chemistry, both on and off the field. Akhtar had once admitted that Sehwag indeed happens to be one of his most fabulous friends.

Jasprit Bumrah-Lasith Malinga
There wasn't any rivalry between the two, as both excelled at bowling yorker deliveries. However, the Indian Premier League brought them closer, as they played for the same side, Mumbai Indians. Furthermore, Bumrah seemingly mastered the art of bowling yorkers from the legendary Lankan slinger. Since IPL 2013, they have become the best of friends, while Bumrah continues to idolise Malinga.

Hardik Pandya-Kieron Pollard
Another uncommon pair, but not surprising. While both happen to be all-rounders, all thanks to the IPL and MI, the two share a great bond. It is widely believed that Pollard mentored Pandya with his explosive batting skills. Pandya hangs out with Pollard during the IPL while posting photos together on social media, as the Indian terms the Caribbean as an MI legend.

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