Former England football manager Gareth Southgate was spotted at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 matches, showcasing his enthusiasm for cricket. On May 4, he was seen at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, watching the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR). His presence at these high-profile IPL matches underscores the tournament's global appeal and its ability to attract sports personalities from various disciplines.
Just three days earlier, on May 1, Southgate attended the Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians (MI) match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. There, he donned a special pink RR jersey, aligning with the team's 'Pink Promise' initiative that promotes women-led transformation in rural Rajasthan.
Southgate, who stepped down as England's head coach after Euro 2024, appeared to be enjoying the electrifying atmosphere of the IPL, mingling with fans and soaking in the vibrant cricket culture of India. His visits highlight the crossover between football and cricket, and the universal language of sports that brings enthusiasts together across the globe.
Riyan Parag’s Heroics In Vain As Kolkata Knight Riders Defeat Rajasthan Royals By 1 Run In Last-Ball Thriller
In a nerve-wracking IPL 2025 clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 4, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a stunning 1-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a match that went down to the very last ball.
KKR posted a formidable total of 206/4 in their 20 overs. Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi provided a solid start with 44 runs off 31 balls, including five boundaries, while Andre Russell lit up the latter half of the innings with a blistering knock of 57 off just 25 deliveries, smashing four fours and six sixes. RR skipper Riyan Parag made an impact with the ball as well, returning impressive figures of 1/21 from 3 overs.
In response, RR put up a valiant chase but fell agonizingly short, finishing at 205/8. Captain Riyan Parag led from the front, hammering 95 runs off 45 balls, featuring six fours and eight sixes in a breathtaking display of power-hitting. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal supported him with a well-crafted 34 off 21 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
Despite RR's spirited effort, Kolkata’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy stood out with 2 wickets for 32 runs in his full quota, playing a crucial role in stalling RR’s momentum in the middle overs. The match culminated in high drama, with RR needing three runs off the final delivery. However, KKR managed to restrict the batsmen, sealing a dramatic 1-run win that left fans on the edge of their seats.
