Gambhir, Dhawan, and survival of the fittest

Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan have seen it all at Feroz Shah Kotla. They have batted here even as former cricketers have tried to bring them down. They have, at different times, fought off senior Delhi players within the side, who have been infamous for not letting newcomers grow. They were together at the crease when Delhi won the Ranji Trophy in 2008, with Gambhir, the opener, on 130, and Dhawan, the No. 3, on 54.

Unfortunately, though, they never blossomed at the same time. They never played international cricket together although they have had fairly long international careers. They did travel to England together, in 2014, but that tour proved the India team was too small for both of them.

They have almost always competed for one opener's slot, but have done the job for India over the last eight years between them. When Dhawan scored runs in domestic cricket, Gambhir kept him out with stellar success at the international level. Then when Gambhir had a long run of low scores, Dhawan replaced him. When Dhawan struggled in England, Gambhir replaced him again for two Tests. Now, Dhawan has an edge but a whisper that Gambhir should replace him is always around the corner, especially when the IPL is what is around the corner.

It's the same IPL that will have both players come face-to-face on a muggy May evening in the eliminator. On many a cold Delhi mornings they have punched their gloves and walked out hoping to bat out a difficult first session when the ball nips around. On many such mornings, only one of them has been present, looking to score enough runs not necessarily to replace the other in the national team but to make his way there. It's just that it has often come at the expense of the other.

Not surprisingly, perhaps, they are next to each other on the runs charts, at No. 6 and 7. Gambhir has scored 473, Dhawan 463. Dhawan has a better average, Gambhir has scored runs faster. Dhawan has in typical fashion resurrected an ordinary start; Gambhir has been consistent throughout the season.

This is not about India selection. This is about taking their team forward. Over the years, right from acquiring players at the auction to selecting his XIs, Gambhir has proved himself to be a shrewd T20 captain. Dhawan has been relieved of captaincy, but continues to be a key man in the setup along with David Warner. As openers they hold the possibility of playing crucial hands.

There are bigger T20 stars in their respective sides, but these Delhi players' knowledge of local conditions will be vital to their sides. If being local matters at all, these two might be more Delhi than any other set of two players. Both of them are combative, a prerequisite to survive in Delhi cricket. They have shown how to get things done, even if it may not be in an orthodox manner, but Delhi teaches you that.

Sometimes they show the luxurious touches with the bat, but mostly their batting is about getting the job done somehow, which is what most of Delhi is despite a big presence of the luxurious Lutyen's Delhi right in the middle of it.

It's just a shame that the home franchise - Delhi Daredevils - has not been able or willing to retain any of these players who scream Delhi, ones who can connect with the local fans. At least they get to watch these two play a big match for their adopted IPL sides. One of them will come back on Friday too. As has been the case with them, only one of them.