RCB's IPL Victory Celebrated by Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles recently celebrated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory in the IPL 2026, emphasizing the strong cultural and sporting ties between Australia and India. He praised Virat Kohli's outstanding performance and acknowledged the contributions of Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. RCB's triumph marks their second consecutive title, joining the ranks of elite teams in IPL history. This article delves into the significance of this win and the collaborative spirit between the two nations showcased during the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 02:08 IST

Celebrating Strong Ties Through Cricket

New Delhi, June 1: Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia, emphasized the robust cultural and sporting connections between Australia and India during a recent event. He specifically referenced the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Marles commended the outstanding performance of RCB's star batsman, Virat Kohli, who played a crucial role in the victory, and acknowledged the significant contributions from Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. He remarked that their achievements symbolize the collaborative spirit shared between the two nations.

Reflecting on his previous visit, Marles noted, “Last year, I was here the morning after the IPL final, and once again, we witnessed RCB's victory. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 earned him the man of the match title, and alongside him were Hazlewood and David, showcasing the Australian-Indian partnership during RCB's IPL win. This truly represents the bond between our countries.”

RCB secured the IPL 2026 championship by successfully chasing down a challenging target of 156 runs against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking their second consecutive title.

Hazlewood was instrumental in RCB's title defense, taking 15 wickets across 13 matches, while maintaining an economy rate of 9.59 and delivering key breakthroughs throughout the tournament.

Additionally, Tim David proved to be a vital asset for RCB, scoring 305 runs with an impressive strike rate of 188.27 and an average of 33.89, contributing significantly to the franchise's back-to-back IPL success.