Marvel Comics and Cinematic Universe have kept audiences around the world in their grip thanks to amazing scenic views and storylines on the big screen. The entire Marvel Cinematic Universe has minted close to $30 billion at the box office.

There have been some iconic pairings and teams in the Marvel Universe comics and movies. There are fans of such pairings which have shown the world that sometimes going alone is not something one can do and you need some guidance to move forward in life.

This same idea can be applied to cricket as well and we have seen some brilliant pairings on and off the field as well. With this idea in mind, here are 5 cricket duos that resemble iconic Marvel team-ups.

Here are 5 cricket duos that resemble iconic Marvel team-ups:

1. Shubman Gill-Ishan Kishan and Groot- Rocket

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan are two of the most talented young guns in the Indian team at the moment. Both the cricketers moved up in their lives after starring for India U19 sides. Kishan captained India to the U19 World Cup 2016 final, while Shubman Gill top-scored in the 2018 U19 World Cup tournament.

Both have made their India debuts in all three formats and have a double century in ODIs each. Off the field, they are best of friends and are seen having too much fun in practice and nets. The Gill-Kishan duo can be compared with the Groot and Rocket of the Guardians of the Galaxy as both have fun at each other’s expense and seem inseparable.

2. Harmanpreet Kaur-Smriti Mandhana and Black Widow – Captain Carter
Coming to the female superheroes of the Marvel Universe, you have the deadly duo of Captain Carter and Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff. Peggy Carter was found by SHIELD after 70 years in Wormhole and she formed a relationship and friendship with the Widow soon. They have fought several battles together and know each other’s secrets as well.

Their comparable duo in cricket is India women’s captain and vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. Harmanpreet and Mandhana enhanced their game under Mithali Raj and since her retirement, the two bosses of women’s cricket have led the Indian team well, as it goes through a transition phase. Both have won several games for India and have even faced off in WPL.

3. Doctor Strange-Spiderman and MS Dhoni – Rishabh Pant
Doctor Strange and Spiderman share a mentor-student relationship. Both became acquainted during the Avengers End Game series and in the cinematic universe, Spiderman also sought the help of Doctor Strange to erase the memories of his friends. However, the young Spidey has learned a lot from Strange, and after Ironman’s passing, Strange has been the inspirational figure Spiderman needed.

Similarly, MS Dhoni had groomed Rishabh Pant to take over from him, once he was done with international cricket. Despite difficulties early on, Rishabh has become one of the best keepers in India at the moment. He never lets go of a chance to learn from MS Dhoni and is even seen at Dhoni’s house for festivals. Pant needed a mentor to motivate him and put him on the correct path and Dhoni made him realize the talent he possesses and how to use it well.

 4. Yusuf Pathan – Irfan Pathan and Thor – Loki

Perhaps the best pair of brothers to play for India, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan have both won World Championships with the Indian team. Irfan Pathan was Player of the Match in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, in which Yusuf made his debut. On the other hand, Yusuf Pathan won the ICC World Cup in 2011 with the Indian team as well. Both have played in the same XI for India as well and notably, won a T20I from a precarious position against Sri Lanka.

There is lots of brotherly love between Irfan and Yusuf, which reminds fans of Thor and Loki, the demigods in the Marvel Universe. Like the Pathans, Thor and Loki are known for their brotherhood and despite having their differences, Thor shed a tear when Loki was seemingly “killed” by Thanos in MCU’s Infinity Wars. Both Loki and Thor also provide comedic relief in the MCU.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin – Ravindra Jadeja and Captain America – Winter Soldier

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin have been for more than a decade the mainstay of Indian spin bowling. Both bowled well in tandem in India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013 and together for the Chennai Super Kings, they helped them win back-to-back IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. In Test matches, the Jaddu-Ash combo is lethal at home, routing opposition XIs in no time.

The same connection is seen in Marvel’s combination of Captain America and his best friend Bucky, who later becomes the Winter Soldier. Once a villain, Winter Soldier becomes the good guy as he remembers his friendship with Captain America, and then the duo saves the world numerous times. They are the best example of friendship and connection in the Marvel Universe.