A day after India’s narrow and emotionally charged 22-run defeat to England in the third Test at Lord’s, both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams were hosted by King Charles III at Clarence House in London. The occasion, facilitated by the British Asian Trust, was more than just ceremonial—it became a moment of shared humanity and mutual respect between sport and royalty.
Indian Test captain Shubman Gill shared that King Charles personally addressed the final dismissal in the match, calling it “quite unfortunate.” The dismissal in question was Mohammed Siraj’s, where the ball unexpectedly rolled back onto the stumps, ending India’s valiant last-wicket resistance. The King, known for his interest in cricket, asked Gill about the moment, expressing empathy and describing it as “really unlucky.” Gill said the King’s words were surprisingly detailed and personal, reflecting his genuine engagement with the game.
The Indian skipper described the experience of meeting the monarch as “amazing.” He noted that King Charles was warm, attentive, and curious about various aspects of the players’ lives. “He was very kind and generous… we had some really good conversations,” Gill said, noting that the King asked about their travels, preparation, and the emotional toll of close losses.
The event was not limited to the men’s team. Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s team, also attended the meeting. She recently led her side to a historic 3–2 T20I series win over England. Harmanpreet described the interaction as “really special” and said the King was especially warm in asking about their journey and experiences in the UK. She also mentioned that he seemed genuinely pleased to see both teams together, representing Indian cricket’s growing strength across genders.
Amol Muzumdar, head coach of the women’s team, praised the atmosphere of the gathering, saying it felt “humbling” to be acknowledged on such a platform. He appreciated that the event also served to deepen cultural and sporting bonds between India and the UK, highlighting cricket’s powerful role in Commonwealth ties.
According to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, the King went beyond casual chit-chat. He was well-informed about players’ personal stories and even asked about fast bowler Akash Deep’s family health situation, showcasing his compassionate side. For the players, the King’s empathy offered a moment of emotional support after a tough game.
India’s third Test loss had been a bitter pill. At 82 for 7, the team showed remarkable grit to stretch the game, with the final three wickets lasting more than 50 overs. Siraj’s strange dismissal, sealing the result, left the dressing room heartbroken. Yet, in this defeat, the King’s words offered comfort and perspective.
As the men’s team prepares for the fourth Test in Manchester and the women’s team shifts focus to their ODI series in Southampton, both squads carry with them a renewed sense of purpose. The royal interaction wasn’t just a formality—it served as a reminder that effort, resilience, and sportsmanship resonate far beyond the scoreboard.