Australian Deputy PM Celebrates Cricket Ties with India at 'Manobal' Event

At the 'Manobal' event, Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles celebrated the strong ties between India and Australia, highlighting the significance of cricket in fostering this relationship. He praised Indian cricket icons like Virat Kohli and Kapil Dev, reflecting on their impact on both nations. Marles noted the recent success of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between Australian and Indian players. This event underscores the shared passion for cricket and the cultural connections that bind the two countries together. Read on to discover more about this celebration of cricket and diplomacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 16:16 IST

Strengthening Bonds Through Cricket

On Monday, Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia, acknowledged the immense popularity of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli in Australia. He emphasized the robust relationship between Australia and India during his remarks at the 'Manobal' event, also expressing his respect for cricket legend Kapil Dev.

"Standing next to the legendary Kapil Dev is a thrilling experience for me. The bond between Australia and India is currently at its peak. Our mutual love for cricket reflects our shared enthusiasm for life," Marles stated. He reminisced about his childhood memories of Indian cricket, recalling Bishan Bedi as the first Indian captain he admired, and noted that cricket icons like Kohli are household names in Australia today.

Marles further elaborated on the cultural and sporting connections between the two nations, referencing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent success in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He praised Kohli's outstanding performance and acknowledged the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, highlighting their collaborative efforts as a symbol of the strong ties between Australia and India.

"Last year, I was here the morning after the IPL final, and once again, RCB triumphed. Kohli's 75 not out and his recognition as man of the match, alongside Hazlewood and David, showcased the Australian-Indian partnership during the IPL victory. This reflects the essence of our countries' relationship," Marles remarked.

RCB secured the IPL 2026 title with a remarkable performance, led by Kohli's unbeaten 75 runs, defeating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final held in Ahmedabad. This victory marked RCB's entry into an elite group of teams, including the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), that have won consecutive IPL titles.

Hazlewood played a crucial role in RCB's title defense, taking 15 wickets across 13 matches, while maintaining an economy rate of 9.59. Meanwhile, Tim David emerged as a vital finisher, scoring 305 runs with an impressive strike rate of 188.27, contributing significantly to RCB's second consecutive IPL championship.