Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed his deep-rooted love for cricket, naming Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid as a childhood idol whose technique he emulated, during a candid session at the NDTV World Summit 2025 in New Delhi on October 17, 2025. Speaking at the global forum held at Bharat Mandapam, Sunak, a self-professed cricket enthusiast, expressed his admiration for Dravid’s masterful batting while confessing a “soft spot” for the Indian cricket team, despite his allegiance to England. The revelation underscores cricket’s unifying appeal, bridging cultural divides as India and the UK deepen ties through shared sporting passions.

Sunak, whose constituency in Yorkshire—a cricketing heartland—has steeped him in the sport, highlighted his dual fandom, rooting for England internationally but passionately supporting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. “I get my fix from RCB. That is my other passion,” he told the summit audience, reflecting on cricket’s pervasive role in his life. He lauded Dravid, a former Indian captain known for his stoic resilience and nicknamed “The Wall”, for his brilliant technique, which Sunak tried to mimic as a young player. He also praised Yorkshire’s Joe Root, England’s prolific batsman, for his run-scoring prowess, noting Root’s status as a local hero in cricket-mad Yorkshire, where the sport enjoys a cult-like following.

When pressed to choose between England’s legendary pacer Jimmy Anderson and India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Sunak leaned toward Anderson, citing his 20-year career, work ethic, and humility. “I was fortunate to recommend to His Majesty that Jimmy Anderson be awarded a knighthood,” Sunak said, applauding Anderson’s inspiring journey and understated demeanour rare among elite athletes. While acknowledging Bumrah’s “superb” skill, Sunak’s nod to Anderson reflected national pride, tempered by his appreciation for Indian cricket’s global impact, exemplified by stars like Bumrah, who has spearheaded India’s bowling attack since 2018.

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Sunak’s appearance at the NDTV World Summit, themed “Edge of the Unknown: Risk. Resolve. Renewal”, aligns with his ongoing engagement in global dialogues post-tenure. His comments resonate in India, where cricket is a cultural force, with the Indian Premier League generating over $1 billion annually and drawing global viewership. As India-UK relations strengthen—bolstered by a 2024 free trade agreement boosting bilateral trade to $25 billion—Sunak’s cricket anecdotes highlight a shared cultural touchstone. His presence at the summit, alongside leaders like Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya, underscores cricket’s role as a soft-power bridge, fostering goodwill amid discussions on pressing global challenges.

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