Brothers in Arms: Winning medals and enjoying each other's success, Team India's bonding at World Cup is therapeutic
This Indian team exhibits a remarkable level of camaraderie, a unity that makes them unstoppable, fearless and destined for World Cup victory.
These are grown men; adults in their 30s. Most, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are lovable fathers to beautiful kids. But you cannot tell. The introduction of T Dilip's post-match medal ceremony has transformed this set of accomplished professionals into a delightful ensemble reminiscent of mischievous yet well-behaved schoolchildren from a primary classroom.
These guys have everything – big houses, lavish cars, adorable partners and a lovable family. But as cricketers, when you're on the road 10 out of the 12 months in a year, this other family becomes your 'MAIN', as social media puts it these days. Indian cricket teams have historically never featured a group of friends. It has always comprised a squad of 15 players who are exceptional in their skills. But witnessing the bonding unfolding within this team at the World Cup 2023 is a bloody heartwarming revelation.
As Mohammed Shami's press conference following his five-wicket haul against New Zealand is about to conclude, Mohammed Siraj quietly slips in from the backdoor and begins to fiddle around. Shami has no clue. It is only when The Hindustan Times asks Shami a question about the camaraderie between him, Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, accompanied by 'Siraj bhi yahaan hai' (Siraj is here too), that he realises and turns around. 'Kahaan (Where)?' exclaims Shami as he looks behind. "Ab toh hoodie nikaal de" (You can take that hoodie off and show your face now). Everyone, including the media, explodes into laughter.
Look no further than this real-time equation to gauge just how much positivity the players and dressing room is brimming with. Siraj's unprecedented rise as a white-ball bowler is why Shami has fallen behind in the pecking order as India's second primary pacer behind Bumrah. But forget friction; if anything, the players are reveling in each other's success. And it reflects on India's position in the World Cup points table – unbeaten, right at the top with five wins out of five matches, 10 points and primed to reach the semi-finals. Aware of the fact that he may have to sit out despite grabbing a second 5-for in World Cups - something that no other Indian achieved before - once Hardik Pandya is back, Shami remains unperturbed.
The sight of him, Bumrah and Shami operating in tandem is quite frequent in Tests, but it doesn't work that way in ODIs. Hence, when India's holy trinity was in full rhythm against the Kiwis on Sunday, it was a refreshing and effective change. All this while, Shami was following the action from the bench, and while it was painful by his own admission, he wasn't 'guilty' about it since India were getting the results, winning the Asia Cup, beating Australia at home, and now steamrolling oppositions at the World Cup.
"As far as bonding is concerned, it's always important to bowl as a unit with your other two partners. In Test matches, we have repeated this pattern. Earlier there were 3 pacers. Bumrah came in and then Siraj was added too. We have always been a good package that you get to see. There is pace, aggression (our brother is here). As far as enjoying goes, I have told you before, that if you enjoy the success of others, you will get better results. And the medal of the dressing room as well, I believe we will get one today as well once we return," came Shami's reply.
Moments later, Siraj echoed Shami's sentiments in the mixed zone. It's as if tension has vanished from this confident Indian atmosphere, with everyone readily offering their support. If a player has a bad day, he is not left alone. He is talked to and made comfortable. A conscious effort to enhance team cohesion was undertaken during India's West Indies tour. The players have been bonding over dinners, music, pool sessions, fun activities, and games – essentially, everything that close-knit teams do. Given the sporadic nature of their gatherings, due to factors such as rest and injury, this 15-member squad only reunited for the Asia Cup. And the goal was to infuse the energy and positivity required for a monumental event like the 50-over World Cup, which comes only once every four years.
Think about it. The Indian team extended their stay in Dharamsala by two days to savour the tranquil mountain climate after the intense match-day pressures. Kohli and Rohit's post-match gestures are a throwback to the Siamese twins. They're even travelling in the same car now. Heck, after India's win against Bangladesh, Kohli, Rohit and KL Rahul triggered a new wallpaper alert, the trio's gleeful embrace breaking the internet.
If Rahul missed out on his century against Australia, he ensured that Kohli completed his. Three days later, Ravindra Jadeja took a leaf out of MS Dhoni's book of the 2014 World T20 to defend the last ball of an over to bring Kohli back on strike to give him a shot at Sachin Tendulkar's record-equalling 49th ton. That Virat could be a topic for another day, but Jadeja's gutted expression when Glenn Phillips took the catch embodies the spirit of this team.
These players will take a bullet for each other. And that's what makes them unstoppable, fearless and destined to win the World Cup.
