RCB Vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Final: Rishi Sunak Supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli In Title Fight

Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his support for RCB and stated how a big a fan he is of the talismanic Virat Kohli. He also credited the IPL for transforming world cricket and lauded India's role in bringing the sport back in the Olympics for the first time in 100 years.

Asked who will cheer for in the IPL 2025 final, Sunak said: "I'll give you a clue — Ee Sala Cup Namde! Hopefully, my pronunciation has improved since I proposed to Akshata 16 years ago in Kannada where, truth be told, I’m not entirely sure she knew what I was talking about.

"I’m married into a Bangalore family, so RCB is my team. We went to matches together a long time ago, and actually, Akshata's mother and father got me this shirt when we got married, which is great.

"I used to cheer them on in Downing Street, especially last year's charge, which was fantastic to watch — and it’s a privilege to be here in India cheering them on in the final."

As for his favourite players, Sunak said: "I’m a massive Virat Kohli fan. He’s a total legend. One of my prized possessions is a signed bat of his that (external affairs) minister S. Jaishankar brought me when I was Prime Minister, as a Diwali gift, to Downing Street — which is amazing. But of course, I’m also hoping for a big contribution from RCB’s English contingent — Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, let’s bring it home."

He went on to speak at length about IPL’s influence in the world of cricket. "The IPL has transformed cricket. I think every cricketer, everywhere, wants to play in the IPL at some point in their career now. And just look at the English players who’ve been involved and they’re getting better. I was at Edgbaston last week watching the England vs West Indies ODI — Jacob Bethell played a brilliant innings. The IPL has improved him as a cricketer.

"It’s also been great for the women’s game, getting more girls into the sport. But beyond that, it’s a sign of the influence India now has in the 21st century. India’s passions, India’s tastes — they now have a global impact. Why is cricket back in the Olympics for the first time in 100 years? Because of India."

The former UK premier also spoke about the people’s passion and love for cricket he witnessed in India. "I love cricket in India; the passion, the skill, the enthusiasm. Watching a game, you can see just how much it means to everyone. There’s a brilliant intensity to it, whether it’s gully cricket or a Test match.

"What’s also really special is that cricket is everywhere on every street, there are people playing and then the whole country comes together for the big moments. That’s really special.

"Earlier this year, I was in India to watch the England–India match at the Wankhede, but that morning I had time to go down to the Parsee Gymkhana and the Maidan in Mumbai to play some tennis ball cricket with youngsters. I couldn't have done that when I was Prime Minister, and I had so much fun. It was truly life-affirming their enthusiasm was totally infectious. Some of the best bowling I’ve ever faced. I channelled my inner Joe Root, tried to hit a few good drives it was a fantastic morning."

Sunak further described how cricket helps build and strengthen diplomatic relationships between countries. "Cricket is such a helpful diplomatic tool. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and I have always had great cricket banter, especially during the Ashes series — at one point, it even got a tiny bit heated between us, but all in a very friendly way.

"Prime Minister Modi and I also always had great cricket chats before getting down to business. The thing about cricket is that it reminds you who your friends are and what you share — your passions — and that puts everyone in the right frame of mind before tackling the serious diplomatic stuff. India are coming to England this summer. It’s going to be a great tour, and I know it will strengthen the partnership and friendship between our two countries."