Top 10 Unexpected Bromances in IPL: Virat & ABD? Obvious. But What About Siraj & Harbhajan?
Introduction
The IPL is more than just a tournament; it’s a stage for camaraderie, fierce competition, and some unexpected friendships. While some duos in the IPL, like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, are the epitome of bromance, others come out of nowhere and surprise us with their chemistry. These pairings are sometimes so unexpected that you’ll find yourself saying, “Wait… they’re friends?!”
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Top 10 Unexpected Bromances in IPL. You won’t find Virat & ABD on this list because, let’s face it, that’s a bromance we all saw coming. But there are some that will make you smile, chuckle, and even wonder how these pairings came to be.
Let’s dive in and discover some of the IPL's most delightful surprises, shall we?
 |
| Shreyas Iyer and Rishab Pant |
1. Siraj & Harbhajan: The Unlikely Spin Connection
When you think of Mohammad Siraj, the first thing that comes to mind might be his fiery pace, not his connection with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh. But, this bromance is proof that opposites do indeed attract. The duo has shared several moments on and off the field, and Harbhajan’s mentorship has helped Siraj refine his craft. Whether it’s the banter in the dressing room or their off-field bonding, these two have formed a relationship that defies the typical "bowler-mentor" dynamic.
And let’s be real, seeing Siraj—who’s known for his aggressive persona—chilling with the calm and collected Harbhajan, is like seeing a lion making friends with a panda. Unexpected, yet adorable.
2. Rishabh Pant & Shreyas Iyer: Best Buddies Behind the Stumps
If you’ve ever watched Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer in the same team, you’ll notice how they are constantly seen laughing, joking, and enjoying each other's company. Pant’s fiery attitude and Iyer’s calm demeanor seem like an odd match at first, but they’ve managed to build an unbreakable bond.
Shreyas once revealed in an interview that Rishabh often keeps the mood light by making fun of his own antics on the field. “If there’s anyone who can keep me from getting too serious, it’s Rishabh,” he said, laughing.
Who would have thought these two would become one of IPL’s most entertaining and unexpected duos?
3. Kieron Pollard & Hardik Pandya: The Dynamic Duo
While this bromance may not be as unexpected as some of the others, it’s certainly one of the most powerful. Kieron Pollard, the big-hitting West Indian, and Hardik Pandya, the flashy all-rounder from India, have been inseparable both on and off the field. Their camaraderie has added an extra layer of fun to Mumbai Indians' campaigns over the years.
Their playful banter during matches and their social media exchanges make them one of the most entertaining duos in IPL history. Fans can’t help but get sucked into their world of "coolness" and lighthearted mischief.
“Hardik is like the younger brother I never had,” Pollard said once in an interview. Hardik, naturally, responded with a cheeky, “Well, I definitely hit more sixes!”
4. Chris Gayle & AB de Villiers: The Legends of Laughter
Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers are two of the biggest names in world cricket. And yet, despite their individual fame, the two share a bromance that has kept us laughing for years. Whether it’s on social media or during the IPL, their playful banter and mutual respect for each other’s skills have become legendary.
When AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on Chris Gayle, he said, “If you ever need to learn how to have fun while playing cricket, just watch Chris.” The two have been seen at countless parties, enjoying the highs and lows of IPL together, leaving fans to wonder if they secretly formed the ultimate "fun club."
5. Dinesh Karthik & Andre Russell: The Calming Influence
Another duo from Kolkata Knight Riders that surprises everyone is Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell. On the field, Karthik is all about calmness and control, while Russell’s explosive nature can turn a game around in an instant. But off the field, these two are surprisingly close.
In a press conference, Karthik once mentioned how Andre Russell’s work ethic has inspired him, saying, “Russell has this incredible work ethic that keeps me motivated to push my boundaries.” Russell, on the other hand, added, “DK is like the calming influence for me. Without him, I’d probably get carried away on the field!”
Their relationship proves that even the most intense personalities can form a strong bond when they share mutual respect.
6. KL Rahul & Mayank Agarwal: The Punjab Friendship
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal’s bond is nothing short of a brotherhood. Both cricketers represent Punjab Kings in the IPL, and their partnership at the top of the order is as solid as it gets. But beyond the cricket field, they share an easy camaraderie that surprises a lot of fans.
Whether they’re sharing laughs on social media or enjoying a post-match meal, their friendship is a testament to how friendships in cricket are built on trust and mutual understanding. Rahul once said, “Mayank is my go-to guy for everything. Whether it’s cricket or just chilling, he’s always there.”
Now that’s what you call a true bromance!
7. Shane Watson & MS Dhoni: The Mentor and Mentee Bromance
MS Dhoni has always been known for his calm demeanor, while Shane Watson is the fiery Aussie all-rounder who wears his heart on his sleeve. Their unlikely bromance came to life during their time together at Chennai Super Kings, with Watson often praising Dhoni for his leadership and calmness under pressure.
In fact, during the 2018 IPL final, Watson famously said, “I’ve learned more from MS Dhoni in these few years than I ever could have from anyone else.” That’s high praise coming from a player who has seen it all in international cricket.
8. Rahul Tewatia & Riyan Parag: The Rajasthan Royals Duo
Who would’ve thought that the quirky, unassuming Rahul Tewatia and the young Riyan Parag would form a bromance that left everyone in awe? Despite the generational gap, the two have found common ground through their love for the game.
Tewatia, known for his jaw-dropping match-winning performances, has often spoken about how Riyan’s maturity and calmness inspire him. Riyan, in turn, has credited Tewatia for teaching him how to handle pressure and perform in clutch moments. These two have formed an unlikely but powerful friendship that continues to grow.
9. David Warner & Jonny Bairstow: The Dynamic Opening Duo
David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were a match made in heaven when they opened the innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad. But off the field, their bond went beyond cricket. The Aussie and the Englishman became fast friends, sharing everything from humorous banter to serious talks about cricket.
Warner once tweeted, “Nothing beats opening with a guy who understands your quirks and lets you have some fun along the way.” And Bairstow quickly followed up with, “We’ve got each other’s backs, and that makes all the difference!”
Their bromance was like a perfect T20 partnership—explosive, fun, and full of surprises.
10. Prithvi Shaw & Shikhar Dhawan: The Opening Pair of Fun
Last but not least, Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan, the dynamic opening pair of Delhi Capitals. Their relationship off the field is just as strong as it is on the field. The senior-junior dynamic works wonders between them, and Dhawan’s mentorship has played a huge part in Shaw’s development as a cricketer.
Prithvi Shaw has often referred to Dhawan as his “big brother” and admitted how much he’s learned from him. Dhawan, in turn, calls Shaw his “little dynamo”. Their playful camaraderie during the season, combined with their serious cricketing skills, makes them one of the most fun and unexpected bromances in the IPL.
Conclusion
IPL 2025 may be filled with explosive cricketing action, but it's the unexpected bromances that add the charm to the game. From fiery fast bowlers to calm captains, these relationships remind us that even in a high-octane sport like cricket, friendship and camaraderie are just as important as the runs on the board.
0 comments