BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla Praises King Charles III for His Warm Hospitality Towards Indian Cricket Teams
London, UK – BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla expressed his delight after the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams were hosted by King Charles III at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday. He praised the King’s humility, warmth, and personal involvement during the interaction, noting that the King inquired about the players’ personal lives, including sensitive matters.
According to Shukla, King Charles III showed remarkable familiarity with the Indian players. “It felt like we were not speaking to the King of England, but to a very kind and gracious gentleman,” said Shukla. He shared that the King even asked about the health of fast bowler Akash Deep’s sister, who is battling cancer, showcasing his deep level of empathy.
The monarch also discussed the thrilling third Test match at Lord’s, specifically referring to Mohammed Siraj’s unfortunate dismissal, where the ball deflected off the bat onto the stumps. The incident contributed to India falling short of the 193-run target, eventually losing the match by 22 runs.
King Charles also spoke about the captaincy of Shubman Gill, whom Shukla lauded for his leadership and stellar batting performances. “Gill has silenced his critics with the bat,” said Shukla. “He scored a century, followed by a double century, and then another hundred. What more can one ask for?”
Overall, the teams were deeply moved by the King’s gesture and interest, with Shukla concluding that it was a memorable experience for all the players to be hosted with such royal grace and kindness.
