Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has opened up about his close relationship with an Indian cricketer ahead of the second T20I against India. Naib was asked to name an Indian player with whom he shares a brother-like relationship in a video shared by Afghanistan Cricket on Instagram. He spoke highly of the friendship and revealed that the two remain in regular contact even when they are away from cricket.
Gulbadin Naib reveals the depth of his friendship
Naib revealed that he shares a particularly close bond with Axar Patel. The Afghanistan all-rounder said they regularly speak to each other and highlighted how responsive the Indian player has always been whenever he reaches out.
“I get along really well with Axar (Axar Patel) bhai. We always talk, whether I’m at home or wherever I am. Whenever I call him, he picks up on the first ring, and he always replies to my messages,” Naib said.
He added that their friendship had developed into a brother-like relationship and described Axar as a “very great man”. Naib also mentioned that he has met Virat Kohli and has friendly relationships with several other Indian players, but made it clear that his connection with Axar is particularly strong.
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A friendship that extends beyond cricket
Naib’s comments highlight the relationships that can develop between international cricketers despite representing different countries. With both Afghanistan and India featuring regularly in major T20 competitions, players from the two sides have had several opportunities to interact away from international cricket. Axar and Naib have also been part of the wider franchise cricket circuit, giving them further opportunities to build relationships outside the international setup.
For Naib, that familiarity has developed into a friendship that extends beyond their time on the cricket field. While the pair have competed against each other during the series, Naib’s comments showed that the competitive nature of international cricket has not affected their relationship away from the game.
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