Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged his allegiance to the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming IPL 2025 Final against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sunak told TOI that his support for the RCB comes from his wife Akshata Murty and her family hailing from Bangalore, “I’m married into a Bangalore family, so RCB is my team.”
Family Ties of Rishi Sunak with RCB
Rishi Sunak also revealed how his in-laws gifted him an RCB jersey when he got married, and how S. Jaishankar gifted him a signed bat from Virat Kohli, which he considers one of his most prized possessions. Rishi Sunak expressed his fondness for Virat by calling him a “total legend”.
Rishi also recalls watching the games live and cheering the Challengers on from Downing Street, “We went to matches a long time ago and I used to cheer them on in Downing Street.” Sunak also praised IPL, saying“The IPL has transformed cricket. Every cricketer, everywhere, wants to play in the IPL at some point in their career now,” he said.
Sunak Expects Big Things From Englishmen
“I’m also hoping for a big contribution from RCB’s English contingent — Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone — let’s bring it home,” Sunak said. Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, and Liam Livingstone are two English players who have been in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season. Salt is the lifeline of RCB’s batting attack. He is dominating bowlers this season by hitting 387 runs with a strike rate of 175.9 this season.
Sunak also looks forward to India’s upcoming tour of England. “It’s going to be a great tour and I know it will strengthen the partnership and friendship between our two countries.”
The Royal Challengers Bangalore, with high-profile supporters from across the globe, will now face off against the Punjab Kings, who are prepared to spoil the moods of RCB fans all around the world.
