Virat Kohli and Steve Smith: Two Captains and a Tale of Their Lady Loves

One is a 26-year-old daring Delhi batsman. The other is a 25-year-old crafty Australian all-rounder. Backed by skilled and highly motivated players on the field, both Virat Kohli and Steve Smith also have devoted partners off the cricket arena. (Virat Kohli's aggression adds spice to Sydney Test)

While Kohli is dating Bollywood superstar Anushka Kohli, Smith has been in a relationship with Dani Willis, who is studying to be a lawyer. And while Anushka and Dani may be poles apart when it comes to their career goals and achievements, both have been at the forefront in showing support for their respective boyfriends. (Dhoni has done a 'wonderful job' as Team India captain: Michael Clarke)

Dani for instance, was seen behind the bowling machine recently as Smith fine-tuned his batting skills. The Sydney Test - starting Tuesday - will be a challenge for not just the Aussie captain but for his batting as well. And Dani - a former competitive swimmer and water polo player - expects nothing short of best from her knight in green helmet armour. (MS Dhoni joins Team India's training session in Sydney)

Steve Smith with his girlfriend Dani Willis (This image was tweeted by Steve Smith)

The same is true for Anushka as well. The celebrated actress recently thrilled audiences in the blockbuster film PK. And while the film is continuing to shatter box-office records, its leading lady was with her man for a lazy stroll aroud the Sydney harbour on Saturday. With enormous pressure on Kohli to deliver in his first match as the permanent Test captain, Anushka looked to be doing her best to keep him relaxed and composed. Time may be a rare commodity for actresses but she hardly seemed to care. (Injured Mitchell Johnson ruled out of Sydney Test)

Kohli and Smith may be different in how public they want their relationships to be. While the Indian cricketer admitted to dating Anushka only recently and asked for privacy, Smith has been snapped with Dani on numerous occasions. In fact, as a young cricketer, he was also poked at by his national teammates when he was seen studying from a law book during an Ashes tour. All so that he could help Dani. "He is keen to pick up all the legal jargon and always tries to understand whatever topics I am studying," Dani was quoted as saying by Courier Mail. (Phil Hughes' family to attend SCG Test)

Mid-twenties, many say, is when true love blossoms. It is also when, most others agree, that life is given its proper direction. With Kohli, Anushka and Smith-Dani scaling professional highs and still managing to show their deep affections, these are two partnerships that promise to stand the test of time. (India should play five bowlers at SCG: Ian Chappell)