Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma don’t need to be the best of friends for India to succeed

“I’ve always said you don’t have to have your best mates with you on the field, but that when you cross the white line to represent Australia, you play as if every one of those ten guys is your best friend and — here is the key — you support them to the hilt. It’s how a team has to work, otherwise the negative energy seeps in and breaks that unwritten bond,” Warne writes in his book.

In the days ahead, India’s ODI squad would need the same pro-vibe. The recent one-dayers – Australia away and South Africa at home – showed how Virat and Rohit can’t be wished away. It is no secret that Gambhir, a coach not quite known to indulge stars, isn’t expected to give them the preferential treatment they are used to.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action during first ODI vs South Africa in Ranchi. (PHOTO: AP)

Plots and threads

Virat and Gambhir also have a past, the present too isn’t overly genial. There have been whispers that the fan army of the superstars have been making surgical strikes on the dressing room. It is also said that the trolling isn’t all organic. To say mistrust has sneaked into the ODI dressing room isn’t an exaggeration.

The media has got busy building a narrative based on their interpretations of body language and lip-reading of players. Did Gambhir applaud Kohli’s ton? Did they shake hands after the game? Did Rohit utter an obscenity while applauding Kohli’s hundred? Was it him expressing the common inner angst of both of them against the coach? Actually, all these don’t really matter.

Adults have differences but the wise ones show maturity to forge a working relationship. Not just Waugh, who he called a selfish cricketer just focused on keeping his Test average above 50; Warne, according to his book, had no great fondness for Adam Gilchrist too. Gilchrist might be universally acclaimed for his good conduct but he was ‘goody two shoes’ for Warne.

This was something he let Gilchrist know. On the pitch, they were brothers. There was no coldness in Gilly’s voice when he let out his trademark drawling, “Bowlinnnn Shane!” to acknowledge the spin wizard’s trickery. Waugh and Gilchrist were never Warne’s bosom buddies but across the 22 yards, they remained co-conspirators committed to the common cause.

The dislike wasn’t just one-way, Waugh despised the way world cricket’s ‘googly guy’ lived his life or what he ate. In turn, Waugh would taunt Warne on his diet, give him unsolicited advice on life and conduct. Not one to stay silent, Warne, according to the book, would say: ““Mate — worry about yourself.”

Be it Waugh, Warne, Gilchrist, Pakistan’s pace pair of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, they all fought but never carried their grudges to the field. Even the Beatles had spats and showdowns but they still weaved timeless music magic.

Waugh and Gilchrist were never Warne’s bosom buddies but across the 22 yards, they remained co-conspirators committed to the common cause. (FILE)

Gambhir is a man of strong beliefs, he wants a disciplined dressing room with one power centre. Kohli and Rohit aren’t used to being ‘one of the boys’, they are men with strong voices and exceptional records. The operative part of Warne’s wisdom – “once you cross the white line … you play as if every guy is your best friend.”

Sporting brotherhood

That’s why the Aussie huddle, though it had men who couldn’t stand each other, was the picture of sporting brotherhood. So much so that their Golden Yellow gave a happy hue and signified bonhomie. They seemed thick as thieves, the crack outfit, the Ocean’s XI from Down Under.

Gambhir, Kohli and Rohit too can coexist without being backslapping mates. Kohli and Gambhir can pass each other like two ships in the sea, or sit in the dressing room like strangers on a park bench.

PS: Warne’s book has an intriguing story from the 1999 tour of West Indies when he was dropped. Captain Waugh and coach Geoff Marsh didn’t agree on the controversial call. So Aussie legend Allan Border, in the West Indies as a tourist, was called in. Here’s what the hardened Aussies spoke before the tough call was taken.

Marsh: “I think Warney should play, mate.”

Waugh: “Well, I’m captain and I don’t agree.”

Border: “Jesus Christ, I back Warney every time … We owe him … think what he’s done for Australian cricket. We need to show faith.”

Waugh: “I appreciate your thoughts, AB, but Warney’s not playing. I’m going with my gut here. Sorry, guys.”

Warne’s heart broke. That day Waugh lost just a friend but not his most-trusted lieutenant who got him wickets when he wanted. Three months later, in the 50-overs World Cup in England, Warne was Man of the Match in the semi-final and final.