29 July,2023 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar
Friendship Day 2023: The world of sports is filled with on-field rivalries and competition between players. From playing against each other in different teams to competing for a spot in the same team, the element of contesting is inevitable in this domain.
However, it is also home to some heartwarming friendships that have found a place both in and off the field.
On the occasion of Friendship Day, mid-day takes a look at five of these special bonds that have stood the test of time and competition.
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Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (Pic: AFP)
Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who hold the record for highest partnership runs for India, are great friends both on and off the field. The âGod of Cricket' and âGod of the Offside' share a bond built on mutual respect, which has reflected on several occasions. They met at a junior camp and have been friends for a long time. Ganguly had appreciated Sachin for advising him to open in ODIs, which was a significant step in his career. He had also revealed in an interview that Sachin helped him tape his bat, which had creaked during his debut Test innings at Lord's. Their careers are full of such instances where friendship took centre stage.
Also Read: They came, they played, they conquered!
AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)
This is one of those friendships that blossomed despite the two players being in opposite teams, competing against each other in international competitions. The bond that India's Virat Kohli and South Africa's AB de Villiers share can be attributed to their time together at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The two built a formidable batting partnership and an equally strong friendship. Both the players have generously showered each other with praises on several occasions and expressed that their friendship extends beyond cricket.
Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues (Pic: Getty Images)
Two of the finest players in the Indian women's cricket team currently, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues share a sister-like bond in real life. They have been friends since Jemimah joined the Indian team. She has stated multiple times that Smriti is a mentor and elder sister to her. The bond that the two share is also reflected in various pictures and videos shared on social media.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna (Pic: AFP)
The star tennis mixed-doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna share a strong camaraderie. Rohan was Sania's first-ever mixed doubles partner when she was 14 and also her last when she retired during the Australia Open in January earlier this year. She stated that he is her best friend and she couldn't think of a better person to finish her career with. The two have won many matches together.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (Pic: AP)
The fierce on-field rivalry that gripped the tennis world for a decade blossomed into a sweet friendship off the field. Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have mutual respect for each other, a sentiment that was clearly reflected when Federer bid adieu to the sport and Nadal wept alongside him. It was a scene etched in the hearts of tennis fans forever. They have been integral parts of each other's career. Federer had even made an appearance at the inauguration of Nadal's academy in 2016. The âFedal' rivalry is sometimes termed as the friendliest tennis rivalry.
