Indian cricket stars Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill had a memorable encounter with acclaimed British actor Idris Elba during a reception hosted by King Charles III at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The interaction was part of a wider event where both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams were invited to meet the Monarch.
A Royal Reception for Team India
The Indian cricket contingent, including captains Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Kaur, along with other team members, coaching staff, and BCCI officials, were guests of King Charles III.
The reception was a significant diplomatic gesture, and the King reportedly impressed everyone with his detailed knowledge of the players and recent matches. He even inquired about personal details of some players, demonstrating a genuine interest.
Idris Elba’s Casual Encounter
Before meeting King Charles, the Indian team had an informal and delightful interaction with Idris Elba. The “Luther” and “The Wire” star was present at the palace, likely for another engagement such as the Youth Opportunities Summit. He shared a light-hearted moment with Bumrah, Pant, and Gill, reportedly joking about his own modest cricketing skills. “I’d say I’m a fan, but I don’t follow cricket as well as I should. I was just a little bowler, that’s all,” Elba was quoted as saying.
King Charles’ Cricket Insights
King Charles also displayed a keen interest in the ongoing Test series between India and England. He discussed the recently concluded third Test at Lord’s, which India narrowly lost, and even brought up the unfortunate dismissal of pacer Mohammed Siraj, commenting on how the ball rolled back onto the stumps. Shubman Gill recounted the King’s empathy, stating that King Charles said the dismissal was “quite unfortunate.”
A Boost for Team Morale
Despite the recent loss at Lord’s, the meeting with King Charles and the interaction with Idris Elba provided a unique and morale-boosting experience for the Indian teams. The players expressed their delight at the warm reception and the King’s humility. This event served as a blend of royal protocol and the shared spirit of cricket, highlighting the strong ties between India and the UK through the sport.
