The Delhi pacer sums his bond with Balaji in a simple sentence: “He knew how tough it was for me and I knew how tough is was going to be for him.” He says it’s important to hear comforting words from someone who understands your situation during an injury crisis. “I wouldn’t worry if I was dropped because I know I can work hard and make a comeback. But with injuries, the inactivity and boredom is tough to deal with,” he says.

Things are getting better for him. Nehra has been among wickets after a slow start to IPL. Not just that, he was seen diving on the boundary line during the last game — something that rarely happened in the past even when he was fully fit. “After that dive Shaun came to me and said, ‘if you field like that, let any batsmen come to the crease, we’re winning this game’.”

The game’s newest format isn’t easy for the bowlers but the Old Boys’ Club is sticking together to stay afloat.