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Journalism of Courage
Cricketer Jasprit Bumrah and his wife Sanjana Ganesan, who recently completed four years of marriage, teamed up for a rapid-fire ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025. When the host prodded him about his 3 am friend, Bumrah promptly responded, “You”. “I have got six friends. But, you are sleeping before me, so…If you are not available, then there are my childhood friends,” said Bumrah in a fun exchange on Star Sports India.
Revealing the one thing no one knows about him, Bumrah expressed, “That I can be funny sometimes, but that side has not come out.”
Taking a cue from the exchange, let’s understand why having such a friend is necessary.
Today, when loneliness is increasingly common, a 3 a.m. friend serves as an emotional anchor, asserts Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (A.M), psychotherapist, coach, healer, and founder and director of Gateway of Healing.
“They are the antidote to isolation, offering a safe space to express your deepest fears, regrets, or joys without judgment. This level of emotional availability is crucial for mental well-being. It has been consistently seen that having at least one deeply trusted confidant can reduce stress, improve resilience, and even enhance physical health. An AM friend isn’t just a luxury—they are a lifeline,” shared Dr Tugnait.
These relationships serve an essential need beyond emotional support; they provide an external perspective during moments of crisis, helping to reframe situations when one’s sense of self and mind are compromised by stress. “The mere knowledge that such support exists creates a safe space that allows an individual to be comfortable even when that friend is not there. They don’t try to ‘fix’ you or offer unsolicited advice; they listen, validate, and remind you that you’re not alone. This kind of support is invaluable during life’s toughest challenges, whether it’s a personal crisis, a professional setback, or simply a moment of existential doubt,” said Dr Tugnait.
However, cultivating such a friendship requires reciprocity. “A 3 am friend isn’t just someone who supports you—it’s someone you’re equally willing to support. This mutual exchange of vulnerability and care makes the bond unbreakable,” shared Dr Tugnait.
