Kolkata: Cricket, in all it’s rivalry and competition has always remained a gentleman’s game and over the years and no matter how tough or intense the battle is on the field, off it, the camaraderie between some cricketers has always been ones to cherish.
Such has been the case in the ongoing series between India and Sri Lanka. Although it has been a completely one-sided affair with the Indians winning every match on the tour so far, the off-the-field story has been something else.
The Sri Lankan team, ever since the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara has endured some tough times in international cricket. The void left by the two is yet to be filled and it is clearly visible in the performance of the squad, which has been consistently poor and shambolic to say the least.
In what can be considered as an example of the camaraderies that the modern day players share, Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has clobbered the Lankan bowlers with disdain on some occasions has agreed to help the Sri Lankans in it’s transitional phase.
Lasith Malinga, who in his prime was a batsman’s nightmare, has seemed lose that sting in his bowling, despite that unorthodox action and has struggled in the ongoing ODI series so far, picking up only two wickets in the four games played.
In a recent interview, he said that he would love to take some advice from Indian pace bowling legend Zaheer Khan. He further said that the former left-arm speedster’s experience would be of immense help to him.
Not only this, but the Indian team yesterday along with the Sri Lankans visited Malinga’s house where they had fun chatting and humming to popular numbers.
In the picture above, Indian opener Rohit Sharma is seen sitting next to Sri Lankan mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya, who has been the only bowler to trouble to the Indian batsmen in the ODI series.
There have been a lot of other instances in the past where cricketers have enjoyed cordial relationships beyond the field and have justified, cricket being labelled as the gentleman’s game. Acts of friendship like these only add weight to that tag and proves that humility and gentleness off the field is far more greater than competition on it.