'Married Into Bangalore Family': Rishi Sunak Backs RCB Ahead Of IPL Final Clash
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Besides star batter Virat Kohli, Rishi Sunak pinned his hopes on team's English players too.
As Indian Premier League (IPL) fever gripped cricket fans, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak has publicly backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the final battle. RCB will clash with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 final.
Citing his personal connections with Bengaluru city, Sunak revealed his fandom during his India visit. The ex-UK PM explained that his links with RCB began through family.
'I'm married into a Bangalore family, so RCB is my team," TOI quoted him as saying. The report mentioned Sunak had got a RCB jersey as a wedding gift from his in-laws and has been a RCB fan ever since.
'We used to go to matches a long time ago. Even when I was in office, I'd cheer for RCB at Downing Street," TOI quoted him as saying.
'Absolute Legend': Rishi Sunak Praises Virat Kohli
As Sunak expressed his strong desire for RCB's victory, he also heaped praises at squad's star batter Viral Kohli by calling him 'an absolute legend". Further, he showed a bat signed by Kohli which he received as a gift from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar while he was still at Downing street office, the TOI report claimed.
Besides Kohli, he pinned his hopes on team's English players too. He hoped Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone to contribute well in pushing the team towards the winning trophy.
Sunak also praised the IPL for its far-reaching impact on global cricket, saying it has brought a revolution in the sport.
'The IPL has revolutionized the game. Today, every professional cricketer wants to be part of it," TOI quoted Sunak as saying.
RCB was the first team to claim a spot in the IPL 2025 final. They concluded the league stage in second place with 19 points from 14 matches and went on to beat Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 to secure their place in the title clash.
First Published:
June 03, 2025, 18:13 IST
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