In a warm moment of sportsmanship felt around the world, England football captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane congratulated Indian cricketing great Virat Kohli after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted their first-ever IPL title. RCB beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, thus ending the franchise's wait for a trophy after 18 seasons. Kane, who himself had only recently lifted his first major club trophy with Bayern Munich, the 2024-25 Bundesliga title, took to Instagram to share a nostalgic tribute post featuring memories from his 2019 meeting with Kohli while Kane was playing in England.

Kane's message read, “One from the archives to say a massive congrats to @virat.kohli and @royalchallengers.bengaluru on their first IPL title! Unreal achievement.” The post, packed with good vibes, was a reminder of these two world-class athletes and their shared respect across the disciplinary divide. Kohli, who has represented RCB as its figurehead since 2008, played a major role in the final match with a score of 43 runs from 35 balls to help RCB finish on a total of 190/9 runs. The bowling brilliance of Krunal Pandya (2/17) and Liam Livingstone's and Jitesh Sharma's contributions helped RCB defend the total.

Kohli’s emotions erupted as he dropped to his knees in tears after the match. “I have given everything to this franchise for 18 years. I never thought this moment would come,” he said, Kohli dedicated the win to RCB’s loyal fans. Overjoyed supporters took to the streets of Bengaluru, and a victory parade was announced to celebrate the historic win.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Harry Kane (@harrykane)

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar's dance celebration goes viral after RCB's IPL Triumph

A Global Tribute to Kohli’s Triumph 

Kane's emotional tribute to Kohli and the RCB was part of the global acknowledgment of Kohli and the RCB. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar praised the poetic nature of Kohli, donning jersey number 18, lifting the trophy in IPL’s 18th season. Former PM of the UK Rishi Sunak was at the stadium, supporting RCB, and also got a diplomatic cheer in. This rare sporting crossover between football and cricket beautifully highlighted Kohli’s towering presence and the IPL’s far-reaching influence.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed his heartfelt support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a result of his marriage into a Bangalore family, Sunak's affection for RCB has always been personal. His memories of the team, the fandom, and the family ties have been crafted over the years of his devotion towards the team.

Sunak emphasized that he proposed to his wife, Akshata Murty, in her native Kannada while jokingly saying he did not know how to speak it properly. His mother-in-law also got him an RCB jersey on the wedding day, which to Sunak was an indication of him being an RCB fan. It was after that he started supporting RCB and, to date, claims to watch them play live during his stint as Prime Minister of England.

Sunak claims RCB wins for him owing to the fact that he is their diehard fan and therefore became the UK Premier, and after they become UK Prime Minister fans on the downning st. Apart from that, Sunak said that his most favorite RCB player is Virat Kohli, a total legend whom he fervently supports the most. As exciting as it is, he does possess a signed bat by Kohli, which was a gift from S. Jaishankar. Beyond Kohli, he has high hopes for RCB’s English stars, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, urging the team to bring home their first IPL title.

Rishi Sunak on IPL’s Global Impact and Cricket Diplomacy

Sunak also lauded the IPL for transforming cricket globally. Sunak noted how the league has developed into a dream platform for players from all corners of the globe, contributing to a growth in benefiting English cricketers like Jacob Bethell. He also commended the Women's Premier League (WPL) for giving young girls the opportunity for the sport and for taking India's cultural reach across the globe.

Also Read: 3 things RCB need to do right to beat PBKS in IPL 2025 final ft. Virat Kohli

In a humorous interlude, Sunak noted how cricket has traditionally acted as a diplomatic bridge, noting the friendly banter with Australian PM Anthony Albanese during this past Ashes series. Sunak noted how cricket often sets a more friendly tone in talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi prior to discussing issues of significance. With the IPL final approaching, Sunak’s fervent support amplifies excitement and is inscribed with inspiration for RCB, who attempt to secure their first title.