ICC World Cup 2023: Brothers in blue!

Pacers Mohammed Shami (left) and Mohammed Siraj celebrate a New Zealand wicket at Dharamsala on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images

While there is no doubt that it has taken impeccable skill, with both bat and ball, for Team India to carve out an impressive five-out-of-five wins and top the table at this World Cup, it's the off-field brotherhood that has given the Men in Blue a massive boost too.

After Sunday's four-wicket win over New Zealand at the HPCA Stadium here, India's pace pair of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami spoke in detail of this camaraderie.

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"Our dressing room has a very trusting atmosphere. There is a lot of freedom, obviously, but we are also enjoying each other's success. Like brothers, we see to it that if we appreciate a good performance by a teammate, we also chat with someone if his performance is down and if his day has not gone well. It's important to give him confidence, and it is this bonding that is transforming into the team's success," Siraj, 29, told reporters on Sunday night.

No ill feelings

Veteran Shami, 33, who was picked for his first match of this World Cup, and ended up with a brilliant 5-54, admitted that it's tough to be on the bench, but insisted that bonding with his teammates ensures there are no ill feelings whatsoever. "When you're not playing, it is very difficult, but if your team is performing, your boys are moving in rhythm, I don't think you should feel bad sitting out. I always think to myself, if I'm not here today, I'll be here tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after. When your time comes, you contribute, but meanwhile, be happy for the one who is performing now because you're still a part of the team, a part of the World Cup. Bonding is very important and if you enjoy the success of others, you will get better results. Everyone is enjoying each other's success," said Shami, even as he pointed out to Siraj standing nearby and said "Humne iss ko chhod diya hai [we have let this guy completely loose]."

Coping with expectations

Siraj, in reply, smiled and said, "Arey kya, bhai [hey, what brother]," and then they laughed together.

It is this fun and games that's helping the Men in Blue cope with the pressure of expectation from a billion-plus population.

"If we are not together at the ground then we're having lunch together or just hanging out with each other by the pool. We listen to music, fool with each other, we have a good time. This is a World Cup. It comes once in four years, not a three-match series that is over in a short period. So, whatever is happening outside the ground, is equally important. Everyone wants to win the World Cup, so everyone's involvement is key. We're taking every player along, not leaving anyone behind. We live away from our families most of the time, so this team is like our family," Siraj concluded.