What Did Gareth Southgate Say About His IPL 2025 Experience?
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Synopsis
Gareth Southgate, the former England football team manager, shares his unforgettable experiences in India during IPL 2025, highlighting the warmth and hospitality he received, as well as his passion for cricket and connections with legendary players.
Key Takeaways
- Southgate's admiration for Indian hospitality
- Connection between different sports
- Interactions with cricket legends
- Importance of learning across disciplines
- Southgate's childhood love for cricket
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) Gareth Southgate, the former manager of the England men’s football team who resigned following the defeat in the 2024 Euro finals, expressed that his time experiencing IPL 2025 in India has been truly remarkable, noting that the hospitality extended to him by everyone in the nation has been exceptional.
"I have a deep passion for the sport, so it’s wonderful to be here. It’s my first visit to India, and I’ve found everyone to be incredibly welcoming, making this an unforgettable experience," Southgate shared in a video released on iplt20.com on Monday.
Southgate attended two matches involving the Rajasthan Royals (RR) – one against the Mumbai Indians in Jaipur and another against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata. "Last year, Ben Stokes visited and spoke with the England football team and many coaches, and there’s so much to learn across different sports,” he remarked.
“This is why I'm here. Manoj Bedale, a key owner of RR, was an advisor during my tenure at the federation, and he’s been instrumental in challenging my perspectives, leading to our strong friendship,” he explained regarding his presence in India during the IPL.
Reflecting on his childhood, Southgate, who also represented England as a player, reminisced about his love for cricket. “When playing at Wembley, the atmosphere can be quite subdued. I've always enjoyed cricket since I was young, often watching Test matches all day.”
“I remember the era of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and other greats. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many players while representing England,” he added.
Southgate concluded by sharing his experiences with legendary cricketers Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, who serve as head coach and director of cricket for RR, respectively. He stated, "All sports are rapidly evolving. Coaches and medical teams share so much knowledge, and it’s always intriguing to step outside your domain and learn from others. They face many of the same challenges, and being able to spend time with two world-renowned players and esteemed figures in the sport has been a pleasure."
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the significance of Gareth Southgate's visit to IPL 2025. His experiences highlight the interconnectedness of sports, fostering a greater appreciation for cricket in a football-centric culture. Southgate’s reflections not only enhance our understanding of the sports landscape but also exemplify the welcoming spirit of India in the realm of international sports.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gareth Southgate in India for IPL 2025?
Gareth Southgate is in India to experience IPL 2025 and to broaden his understanding of sports by interacting with cricket legends and the Rajasthan Royals team.
What did Southgate say about Indian hospitality?
Southgate praised the warm hospitality of the Indian people, stating that he has felt very welcomed during his visit.
Who are the legendary cricketers Southgate spent time with?
Southgate spent time with Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, who are the head coach and director of cricket for the Rajasthan Royals, respectively.
What is Southgate's connection to cricket?
Southgate has long been a cricket fan, recalling his childhood memories of watching Test matches and his admiration for players like Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.
What insights did Southgate gain from his time in the IPL?
Southgate gained valuable insights into the evolving nature of sports, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge among coaches and players across different disciplines.
