Former England football manager Gareth Southgate surprised fans during his recent visit to India by showing his deep-rooted love for cricket. Attending a thrilling IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Southgate proudly donned an RR T-shirt and cheered from the dugout.
Southgate’s Nostalgic Cricket Memory
In a video shared by IPL and Rajasthan Royals, Southgate reflected on his childhood days, recalling the golden era of Indian cricket.
“When I was a young kid, I used to watch Test matches all day long. I’m talking about the era of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and players like that,” said Southgate.
The football veteran expressed how cricket remained close to his heart even during his footballing career and noted how he knew several England cricketers personally over the years.
Learning Across Sports
Southgate, who stepped down after England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final, emphasized the value of cross-sport learning. He praised England Test captain Ben Stokes for addressing the football squad before the tournament and highlighted the synergy between disciplines.
“Last year, Ben Stokes came and talked to the England team. Coaches and medical teams across sports share ideas. That’s really why I’m here,” he added.
First Visit to India
Visiting India for the first time, Southgate was in awe of the cricket culture and the vibrant atmosphere of the IPL.
“It has been amazing. Every sport is evolving. It’s always fascinating to go outside your field and learn from other people,” he said.
Southgate’s presence at the IPL has not only bridged two sporting cultures but also shown the universal love for cricket – a sport that continues to inspire across continents.
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