Australian Deputy PM Celebrates Virat Kohli's Impact on Cricket and Indo-Australian Relations

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles recently praised Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, emphasizing his significant influence in Australia and the strong ties between the two nations. During the 'Manobal' event, Marles expressed admiration for cricket legend Kapil Dev and highlighted the cultural connections fostered through cricket. He also celebrated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent IPL victory, where Kohli's stellar performance played a crucial role. This article delves into Marles' remarks and the collaborative spirit showcased in the IPL, reflecting the enduring friendship between India and Australia.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 02:07 IST

Strengthening Bonds Through Cricket

On June 1, in New Delhi, Richard Marles, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, acknowledged the significant influence of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli in Australia, emphasizing the robust relationship between the two nations.

During the 'Manobal' event, Marles expressed his respect for cricketing legend Kapil Dev, noting the flourishing ties between India and Australia. He remarked, "Standing next to the legendary Kapil Dev is quite exhilarating... The bond between our countries is stronger than ever, and our mutual love for cricket reflects our shared enthusiasm for life."

Marles reminisced about his childhood, recalling Bishan Bedi as the first Indian cricket captain he admired, and highlighted the enduring popularity of cricket icons in Australia. He stated, "Virat Kohli is a prominent figure in Australia today, but the great names from the past, like Bedi, also hold a special place in our hearts. Our shared interests in cricket unite us, even as we face common challenges in leading the modern world."

Celebrating IPL Success

The Deputy PM also underscored the cultural and sporting connections between Australia and India, referencing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) recent triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He commended Kohli's outstanding performance, which included a match-winning innings, and acknowledged the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. Marles noted, "Last year, I was here the morning after the IPL final, and once again, we witnessed RCB's victory. Kohli's unbeaten 75 runs and the support from Hazlewood and David showcased the collaborative spirit between our nations during the IPL final."

RCB secured the IPL 2026 title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad, with Kohli scoring an impressive 75 runs off 42 balls, leading the team to chase down a target of 156 runs. This victory marked RCB's second consecutive IPL title, placing them alongside the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as back-to-back champions.

Hazlewood played a crucial role in RCB's title defense, taking 15 wickets in 13 matches, while Tim David emerged as a vital finisher, scoring 305 runs at an impressive strike rate of 188.27, contributing significantly to the team's success.