Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has described Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli as “a huge name in Australia”, underlining the role cricket continues to play in strengthening the relationship between India and Australia.
Speaking at the ‘Manobal’ event, Marles praised some of India’s greatest cricketing icons and highlighted the deep cultural and sporting connection shared by the two nations.
“It is quite a thrill for me to be standing next to the great Kapil Dev,” Marles said while addressing the gathering. “The relationship between Australia and India is at a high point. In so many ways, the shared passion that we have for life is embodied in our passion for cricket.”
Virat Kohli’s Popularity Extends Beyond India
Reflecting on the impact of Indian cricketers in Australia, Marles said Kohli remains one of the most recognisable sporting figures among Australian fans.
“Virat Kohli is a huge name in Australia right now,” he said.
The Australian Deputy Prime Minister also recalled the Indian cricket stars who left an impression on him during his younger years.
“As I grew up, the very first Indian cricket captain I remember was Bishan Bedi; they were the great names of that era. Everyone in this room is easily the most well-known person in Australia today,” Marles added.
According to him, cricket has become much more than just a sport between the two countries, serving as a powerful symbol of shared values, mutual respect and growing cooperation.
“We have shared passions for things like cricket, but we also have shared challenges in the way in which we are going about leading the modern world,” he said.
RCB’s IPL 2026 Triumph Showcases India-Australia Connection
Marles also used Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title-winning campaign as an example of the close relationship between India and Australia.
Speaking a day after RCB successfully defended their IPL crown, the Australian leader highlighted how Indian and Australian players played key roles in the franchise’s success.
“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,” Marles said.
“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.”
He added that the team’s success reflected the broader partnership between the two nations.
“And that is emblematic, I think, of the relationship between our two countries,” Marles remarked.
Kohli Leads RCB to Historic IPL Achievement
Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the IPL 2026 title after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Kohli produced a match-winning unbeaten knock of 75 off just 42 deliveries, guiding RCB to a successful chase of 156 runs in a high-pressure final.
The victory secured Bengaluru’s second IPL title and helped the franchise join Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only teams to win back-to-back IPL championships.
Australian Duo Played Key Role in RCB’s Success
While Kohli grabbed the headlines with his heroics in the final, Australian players Josh Hazlewood and Tim David also made significant contributions throughout the season.
Hazlewood spearheaded RCB’s bowling attack, claiming 15 wickets in 13 matches and delivering crucial breakthroughs despite operating in challenging conditions throughout the tournament.
Tim David once again proved his value as a powerful middle-order finisher. The Australian batter amassed 305 runs during the season at an impressive average of 33.89 and a blistering strike rate of 188.27.
His ability to accelerate in the closing overs played an important role in several RCB victories as the franchise completed a successful defence of its IPL crown.
Marles’ comments further highlighted how cricket continues to act as a bridge between India and Australia, with players from both nations regularly sharing dressing rooms, competing together in franchise leagues and contributing to one of the strongest sporting relationships in the world.