RCB's IPL triumph reflects India-Australia partnership, says Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles
New Delhi, June 1
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday highlighted the strong sporting and cultural ties between Australia and India, pointing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Indian Premier League title win.
He praised RCB's batting heavyweight Virat Kohli's match-winning innings and noted the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, saying their combined success reflected the close and collaborative relationship between the two nations.
"When I was here last year, it was the morning after the final of the Indian Premier League, as it is, of course, this morning. Last night, as we saw a year ago, we saw RCB triumph. But I like the fact that Virat Kohli was 75 not out and was man of the match, but alongside him were Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So there was very much an Australian-Indian bilateral theme at play last night as RCB won the IPL. And that is emblematic, I think, of the relationship between our two countries," Marles said.
RCB clinched IPL 2026 glory, riding on a stunning 75* off 42 by Virat Kohli, to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
RCB gunned down a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles.
Hazlewood played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL 2026 title defence, claiming 15 wickets in 13 matches and providing crucial breakthroughs throughout the campaign despite an economy rate of 9.59.
Meanwhile, fellow Australian Tim David emerged as a key finisher for RCB, amassing 305 runs at a blistering strike rate of 188.27 and an average of 33.89, making several impactful contributions as the franchise secured a second consecutive IPL crown.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I agree with the sentiment, let's not forget that the IPL is primarily about entertainment and business. It's nice that Marles used it as a metaphor, but the real India-Australia partnership should focus on trade, education, and climate action too. Cricket is just a bonus. 😊
Absolutely brilliant! RCB doing the double and our Australian friends contributing so much. Tim David's finishing was clutch throughout the season. Cricket unites us in ways politics never can. Well said, Deputy PM!
Interesting perspective, but I hope this doesn't become a distraction from the defence partnership he actually came to discuss. The IPL is great, but let's keep priorities straight. Kohli was phenomenal though—pure class! 🙌
As an Australian, I love seeing this! The IPL is a true melting pot of global talent. RCB's success with Kohli and Hazlewood side by side sums up the spirit of collaboration. Hope to see more of these people-to-people connections grow. 🤝
Love how cricket diplomacy works! Remember how the 2011 World Cup final brought India and Sri Lanka closer? Now RCB's win is doing the same for India-Australia ties. Kohli's knock was legendary—75 off 42 in a final! Take a bow, King. 👑
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