As Friendship Day 2025 nears on August 3, it’s the ideal time to talk about the unique bonds that shape the routine of daily life. There’s perhaps no more lovely thing about cricket than how it unites people, not only as teammates but as friends for life.
A few of these friendships started on the field but became lasting, unbreakable bonds that guided careers, motivated fans, and provided the sport with its most iconic moments. In this article, we will look at 10 such friendships in cricket that still melt our hearts.
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time
| Sr. No | Players |
| 1 | MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli |
| 3 | Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo |
| 4 | Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly |
| 5 | Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene |
| 6 | Stuart Broad and James Anderson |
| 7 | Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison |
| 8 | Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Vishwanath |
| 9 | VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid |
| 10 | Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues |
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time | CricketGully
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The bonding between the former Indian skipper and the all-rounder, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, is a relationship that is more like family rather than friendship. The two were instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and were an unbeatable unit for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Raina used to compliment Dhoni as his biggest support and their faith in each other always left people wondering.
Their camaraderie was brought into focus like never before when Raina and Dhoni both announced their retirement within minutes of each other in August 2020. Raina was even spotted wearing the jersey of MS Dhoni in the Sydney Test in 2014 when MS Dhoni announced his Test retirement.
Off-field as well, their friendship only grew stronger, frequently being spotted together with respect and admiration for each other. Their experience is a testament to how friendship makes professional alliances greater and better.
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are two of the most dominant personalities in Indian cricket in today’s time. Though media has reported them to have issues between each other, their performances and bonding on the ground tell a different story. Whether it was a record-breaking 246-run stand against West Indies or when they captained India through their unbeaten campaign of T20 World Cup 2024, their coordination was top-notch.
What really impresses is the manner in which their camaraderie has grown over the years. From budding stars seeking their place, to guiding the national team with collective responsibility, they have demonstrated how maturity and respect for each other can build connections.
The duo, in multiple interviews, have been seen backing each other during their rough patches. And, of course, they both announced retirement from T20I and Test cricket together. On Friendship Day, their success is an inspiration that even in a cutthroat world, deep bonds can flourish.
Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo
Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo Cricket Friendship | CricketGully
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Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo have been crucial players for West Indies cricket for years. Their jovial nature, energetic celebrations, and boon friendship have become synonymous with Caribbean cricket. Bravo has always called Pollard his younger brother, and they have stood by each other through thick and thin in international cricket and
They were both a part of West Indies’ T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, and their friendship extended to franchise cricket as well. From mentoring junior players in the IPL to sharing some laughs off the field, their friendship has stayed warm and strong.
Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly
Best Cricket Friendships – Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly | CricketGully
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The ‘God of Cricket’, Sachin Tendulkar and the ‘God of Offside’, Sourav Ganguly had one of the most successful opening combinations in cricket history. With over 8,000 runs as a pair in ODIs, they revolutionized how India played one-day cricket. Their on-field rapport was perfect, having been developed through years of playing and trusting each other.
Off the pitch, they also remained close friends. Ganguly once surrendered the captaincy to Sachin as a gesture of respect, and Sachin has never had anything but praise for Sourav’s captaincy. Their relationship contributed significantly in laying the groundwork for India’s resurgence during the early 2000s. Now, even after retiring from cricket long ago, both Sachin and Ganguly can be often seen being involved in banters and they also share each other’s incidents in various interviews.
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Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time | CricketGully
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Sri Lanka had a golden age of cricket when Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene played for the island nation. They developed this bond during their initial playing years and grew older to form an unshakable on-field and off-field partnership. They amassed more than 12,000 runs together and led Sri Lanka to a number of finals, the World Cup of 2011 being among them.
They captained the team with dignity and supported one another at all times. Today, both are intensely committed to the development of cricket, guiding young cricketers and making contributions through commentating and coaching. Theirs is an example of loyalty, class, and a common vision for the game.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time | CricketGully
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Stuart Broad and James Anderson were the beak of England’s bowling unit for over a decade. They had over 1,200 wickets to their names together, and their performances defined England’s domination in Test cricket. Their relationship was based on understanding, friendly competition, and respect for the other’s strengths.
Off the pitch of course, they had a million memories, rounds of golf, banter in the dressing rooms, and so on. Even when it was squad rotation and the other was rested, they never hesitated to publicly support one another. Their friendship is testament to the fact that a common purpose can create lifelong friendships.
Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison
Friendship between Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff | CricketGully
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Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison were more than teammates; they were close friends. Being members of the winning 2005 Ashes team, they supported each other in difficult as well as victorious moments. Flintoff frequently described how Harmison assisted him in withstanding pressure and issues on a personal level.
Their relationship was very close-knit. Harmison’s response when Flintoff retired revealed the extent to which their friendship mattered. Their friendship emphasizes how off-field camaraderie can mold not only careers, but lives as well.
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Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Vishwanath
Top 10 Cricket Friendships That Stood the Test of Time | CricketGully
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Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Vishwanath were two of India’s finest batsmen from the 1970s. Their friendship began early in their careers and only grew stronger with time. Vishwanath is Gavaskar’s brother-in-law, but more than that, he’s been a trusted companion both on and off the field.
They were the key in India’s initial Test victories overseas and regularly saved the team from sticky positions with their solid batting. Gavaskar has regularly spoken of Vishwanath’s elegance and technique, while Vishwanath admired Gavaskar’s discipline. Their relationship was one of calm strength and silent confidence.
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid
Friendship Between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid | CricketGully
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The friendship between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman provided Indian cricket enthusiasts with one of their most memorable moments, Eden Gardens 2001. Their 376-run partnership used humor to turn around a match India was losing into a history-making victory. The partnership was a reflection of their mutual trust and understanding, which are also the characteristics of their friendship.
Their peaceful demeanor, pressure-handling skills, and utmost regard for one another helped them become an excellent pair. Even in retirement, they assisted Indian cricket as a team by mentoring and coaching. Their relationship indicates how friendship can propel excellence.