‘Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia right now’: Deputy PM Richard Marles on RCB’s second straight IPL title

Virat Kohli (left) after RCB’s second IPL title (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has used Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 victory as an example of the strong relationship between India and Australia. A day after RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to win their second IPL trophy in a row, Marles pointed out how important Indian star Virat Kohli and Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David played in the victory.Marles said the trio’s contribution reflects how the two countries are increasingly cooperating in various fields. “When I was here last year, it was the morning after the Indian Premier League final, as of course it is this morning. Last night, as we saw a year ago, we saw the triumph of RCB. But I like that Virat Kohli did not make 75 and was man of the match, but next to him was Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. So there was a lot that RCB won last night at RCB bi Australian as Australian-In. is, I think, symbolic of the relationship between the two of us countries,” he said, according to ANI.In another speech at the ‘Manobal’ community event in New Delhi, Marles highlighted Kohli’s huge popularity in Australia and recalled that he grew up watching the Indian cricket legends. “Virat Kohli is a big name in Australia now, but growing up, the very first Indian cricket captain I remember was Bishan Bedi; they were the big names of that time,” he added.He added that cricket remains a strong bond between the two nations and helps strengthen wider ties.Marles also shared his excitement of meeting 1983 World Cup captain Kapil Dev at the event. Calling it an unforgettable experience, he said, “It’s quite exciting for me to stand next to the great Kapil Dev… The relationship between Australia and India is at its peak… In many ways, the shared passion we have for life is embodied in our passion for cricket.”