Rishi Sunak Backs RCB in Thrilling IPL 2025 Final Showdown
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced his support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they prepare for the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings. Sunak, who has personal ties to Bangalore through his marriage, expressed his enthusiasm for the team, stating that he has closely followed their journey. He reminisced about his experiences cheering for RCB and shared his hopes for their first IPL title.
Sunak’s Personal Connection to RCB
Rishi Sunak’s affection for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stems from his marriage into a Bangalore family. In an interview, he recounted how he proposed to his wife, Akshata Murty, in Kannada, showcasing his dedication to embracing her cultural roots. He fondly recalled receiving an RCB jersey as a wedding gift from his in-laws, which solidified his allegiance to the team. Sunak’s enthusiasm for RCB has remained steadfast, and he has attended matches in the past, even cheering for the team while serving as Prime Minister at Downing Street. Reflecting on the previous IPL season, he noted the excitement it brought him and expressed optimism for RCB’s performance in the upcoming final.
Virat Kohli: A Personal Favorite
Among RCB’s star players, Sunak particularly admires Virat Kohli, whom he referred to as a “total legend.” He highlighted a signed cricket bat gifted to him by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, during his tenure in office, calling it one of his prized possessions. Sunak is not solely relying on Kohli for success; he also looks forward to significant contributions from RCB’s English players, such as Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone. As RCB aims for their maiden IPL title, Sunak’s faith in both Indian and English players reflects the team’s diverse talent pool as they compete at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The IPL’s Impact on Global Cricket
Sunak praised the Indian Premier League for its transformative influence on cricket worldwide. He emphasized that every cricketer aspires to play in the IPL at some point in their careers, highlighting its role in developing talent, particularly among English players. He shared his recent experience watching a match at Edgbaston, where he saw Jacob Bethell excel, attributing part of his development to the exposure gained through the IPL. Sunak also acknowledged the league’s contributions to women’s cricket, noting how it has inspired more girls to participate in the sport. He believes that the IPL signifies India’s growing cultural impact on a global scale.
Cricket as a Diplomatic Tool
Sunak illustrated cricket’s unique capacity to foster diplomacy, referencing his friendly exchanges with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the sport. He recalled engaging in light-hearted cricket banter with Albanese, particularly during the Ashes series, while also sharing cricket discussions with Modi. Sunak remarked on how cricket can break the ice and create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic conversations. Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about India’s upcoming tour of England, anticipating it will enhance the relationship between the two nations. His comments underline cricket’s role not just as a sport but as a bridge between cultures and countries.
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