"No trip to Mumbai is complete without a game of tennis ball cricket."
Rishi Sunak’s recent visit to Mumbai took an unexpected turn when he enthusiastically joined a game of tennis ball cricket at the historic Parsee Gymkhana.
Known for his passion for cricket, Sunak didn’t hesitate to step onto the field, much to the delight of onlookers.
Dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and sports shoes, he faced deliveries with determination, showcasing a playful side rarely seen in his political career.
Sharing the experience on social media, Sunak posted a photograph of himself holding a bat, surrounded by spectators.
The former Prime Minister wrote on X:
“No trip to Mumbai is complete without a game of tennis ball cricket.”
He was also filmed signing shirts.
Later, Rishi Sunak addressed attendees at the anniversary celebrations of the Parsee Gymkhana, expressing his admiration for the institution.
Before arriving in Mumbai, he attended the Jaipur Literature Festival, where he was seen with his father-in-law, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.
A video from the event went viral, showing Sunak greeting the crowd with folded hands.
Rishi Sunak was spotted speaking to England’s T20 captain Jos Buttler before the team’s match against India.
No trip to Mumbai would be complete without a game of tennis ball cricket. pic.twitter.com/UNe6d96AFE
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 2, 2025
Sunak is an avid cricket fan and in February 2024, he used his cricket knowledge to encourage his beleaguered Tory MPs that the upcoming general election was not lost yet.
The then-PM gathered around 100 of his colleagues for a luxury meal at Leicester Square in which he claimed the Conservatives could emulate the surprise success of England in their first test against India and pull off a miraculous victory.
This victory did not come to fruition however and the party went on to suffer its worst electoral defeat in its history.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Sunak’s visits to India were closely followed.
In one instance, he and wife Akshata Murty met local schoolchildren at the British Council in Delhi, engaging with students involved in UK-funded programmes supporting computer coding and language skills.
Sunak’s recent activities in India, from playing cricket in Mumbai to participating in literary events in Jaipur, underscore his enduring connection to the country and its culture.
His personal and familial ties continue to play a pivotal role in his engagements, reflecting a blend of his British upbringing and Indian heritage.
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