'You don't have to be best friends' – Gautam Gambhir on Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya playing together for LSG

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor Gautam Gambhir sees no issues in Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya playing together in IPL 2022. The duo were involved in a major controversy last year as Hooda accused Baroda captain Krunal of misbehaving with him. Moreover, the former even left his state team following the fall-out. However, the two all-rounders will have to join forces this season as LSG purchased both in the mega auction last month.

As both Krunal and Hooda bat in the middle order, they’ll often have to play together. While some reckon their relationship might hamper their performance, Gambhir has different views on the matter. The former Indian opener stated that players in a team don’t need to be best friends in order to bring out fruitful performances. He even shared his experience while elaborating his views.

They are professionals and they know that they have a job to do: Gautam Gambhir

“Look, you don’t have to be best friends off the field to perform on it. They are professionals and they know that they have a job to do. You don’t have to go out for dinner every night if you are playing in the same team,” Gambhir was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

“I have not been friends with everyone in every team that I have played in. But that hasn’t stopped me from giving my best when I am out there on the field. These are matured people and they know there are here to win matches for Lucknow,” he added.

Notably, Hooda served Punjab Kings last season alongside LSG skipper KL Rahul. On the other hand, Krunal was the part of the Mumbai Indians set-up. Both all-rounders have proven their mettle in IPL and are certain to start in the initial XI. Alongside batting in the top six, they will also chip in with handy overs. Alongside the duo, LSG have some other key all-rounders in ranks including Jason Holder and Marcus Stoinis. Hence, expectations are pretty high from the team.