‘RCB is my team’ – Former UK PM Rishi Sunak backs RCB to win IPL 2025

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged his complete support to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the blockbuster IPL 2025 final and win their first title.

Sunak spoke openly about his relationship to Bengaluru prior to the match. He stated that he is married to a Bengaluru-based family. Notably, the 45-year-old married Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, in 2009. “I’m married into a Bangalore family, so RCB is my team,” according to him.

The former Prime Minister revealed that his in-laws gave him an RCB shirt during their wedding. He also claimed that he had cheered for the squad while living at 10 Downing Street, and that last season’s campaign kept him on the edge of his seat. “We went to matches a long time ago and I used to cheer them on in Downing Street,” according to him.

Rishi Sunak referred to star Indian batsman Virat Kohli as a “legend of the game.”

He further stated that he had a signed bat given to him by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his time, which he considers one of his most valued belongings. Sunak is also relying on RCB’s English strength.

“It’s one of my prized possessions.” I’m also looking for a significant contribution from RCB’s English contingent, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, so let’s bring it home,” he added.

Furthermore, the EX-PM emphasised cricket’s function in diplomatic relations. He recounted his interactions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It has been fantastic for the women’s game, bringing more females into the sport. However, it also demonstrates India’s growing prominence in the twenty-first century. India’s passions and tastes have a global impact. Prime Minister Albanese and I always had terrific cricket banter — especially during the Ashes, when it became a little hot, but in a pleasant way,” he chuckles. “And Prime Minister Modi and I always had great cricket chat before we got down to business,” he explained.