Fans left baffled as Gareth Southgate is spotted at the IPL to watch 14-year-old wonderkid get a duck – just three days after stunning 35-ball ton

By DOMINIC HOGAN

Former England manager Gareth Southgate was spotted enjoying Rajasthan Royals’ clash with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on Thursday evening. 

Despite boasting 14-year-old cricket wonderkid Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck a blistering century last time out, the Royals have struggled this season, with just four points from 10 games. 

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have been typically strong, and are fighting it out at the top with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are looking to end their wait for an IPL crown. 

And they should just why they are in contention for a sixth crown with an imperious 217-2, powered by brilliant half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton. 

Southgate, though, had the best seat in the house, and was pictured watching on in the Royals’ iconic pink jersey. 

The former Three Lions boss stepped down from his role last summer after England finished runners-up in the European Championship, losing to Spain in the showpiece final. 

Gareth Southgate was in attendance for Rajasthan Royal’s crunch clash with Mumbai Indians

He watched on as 14-year-old cricket wonderkid Vaibhav Suryavanshi was out for a duck

Southgate left the England football team after losing the European Championship final last year

Southgate is the most successful manager England have ever had since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup in 1966, and during his tenure the side reached two Euros finals, a quarter-final and semi-final of a World Cup. 

Though he at times drew criticisms from some areas of the England fanbase, he was undeniable pivotal in bringing through a new generation of players, and fostered an atmosphere that allowed his charges to shine. 

His appearance in the friends and families section of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur had a few fans on social media baffled. 

‘Gareth Southgate at an IPL game was never on my bucket list,’ wrote one.

Another added: ‘Ermmm why am I seeing Gareth Southgate at the IPL,’ accompanied by a meme about a polar bear. 

Much of the talk around the IPL this year has centred around the extraordinary Suryavanshi, who was snapped up in the draft at just 13 years old.

However, those in town to catch the prodigy in full flight were left disappointed, after he left for a duck, having faced just two balls. 

Opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, a comparatively grey-bearded 23 years of age, was also skittled early on, departing for 13 off six deliveries. 

Things went from bad to worse for the Royals, who quickly found themselves 41-3 after just four overs, and later 76-7 by the start of the 10th.

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Fans left baffled as Gareth Southgate is spotted at the IPL to watch 14-year-old wonderkid get a duck – just three days after stunning 35-ball ton

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