Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, who is also of Indian origin, picked current team India head coach and former captain Rahul Dravid as one of his favourite players. Southampton-born Sunak, who was elected as the Prime Minister of UK last year, said he loved Dravid’s attitude, technique and personality. Sunak was invited as guest at BCC TMS’s lunchtime show and Dravid’s reference came up when he was asked to share his view on the bouncer strategy in the ongoing England vs Australia Ashes 2023 2nd Test at Lord’s. “Rahul Dravid is one of my favourite player really. I loved his technique. His attitude, personality,” Sunak said.

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Sunak then went on to talk about the time he saw Sachin Tendulkar bat live in India.

“I was in India in 2008 when the terrorist attack happened. England cricket team had gone away. I had gone for friend’s wedding. But England decided to come back and play a Test in Chennai. I was there. Tendulkar scored massive in that run chase, sadly we lost and India won. It was good to see him bat,” Sunak said.

“I grew up watching Robin Smith, the Hampshire star, Malcolm Marshall … I have been lucky to watch all of them.”

When the UK PM was asked if he gets as passionate about cricket as Indian fans, he said, “I can express it less in this job. Before I had this job, I would do that. I am a passionate sports fan. When England got the first wicket here (at Lord’s), I was standing up and realising ‘gosh’… and sat down.”

Coming back to ENG vs AUS 2nd Ashes Test, Ben Stokes-led England need 257 runs on the fifth and final day to win with only six wickets in hand. Ben Duckett (50*) and Ben Stokes (29*) stand unbeaten at the crease for four-down England. Australia took 1-0 lead in 5-match Ashes Test series following their thrilling two-wicket win in last week’s first Test at Edgbaston.