Eden Diary: Alan Wilkins beats throat cancer to return as TV pundit

Eden Gardens saw a comeback with a difference on Sunday. Englishman Alan Wilkins — an extremely popular TV pundit and IPL regular over the years — was back on his favourite turf after being declared cancer-free following a tryst with throat cancer for a number of years.

Now 71, Wilkins found company in his old peer Sunil Gavaskar as he walked out under a blazing sun for a pre-match dekko of the wicket and mandatory dummy run for the broadcasters. Taking to his X handle, the veteran earlier posted: ‘’The first city in India I ever visited was then called Calcutta way back before most of you were born! Decades later it’s an emotional return to one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.’’

The news that Wilkins would be added to the official TV commentary panel came about two weeks back, when he himself made the announcement with a positive message of never giving up. “Knowing that I am heading to India to work on the @IPL after being given the All Clear from throat cancer by @VelindreCS @VelindreTrust @Velindre makes me feel incredibly blessed. And “young’’ again! Never Give Up.’’ his update read.

During his active playing years as a Glamorgan and Gloucestershire left-arm pacer, Wilkins secured 243 first class wickets from 107 matches along with 130 list A wickets from 104 matches.

After injury cut short his playing career, Wilkins switched to commentary and was a regular feature in marquee events, including most editions of the IPL. With the likes of Mark Nicholas, Lisa Sthalekar, Mike Haysman and Mark Butcher being involved in the Pakistan Super League, Wilkins choosing to come to IPL is expected to add more weightage to the commentary panel.

Southgate among cheerleaders

Has Gareth Southgate, the former England football manager, become a cricket convert since giving up charge of the Three Lions? He and his wife have been guests of the Rajasthan Royals for two matches now, first in Jaipur for the match against Mumbai Indians and then again at Eden.

‘’I am a Royals fan,’’ an evasive Southgate told staff at the hotel where is staying with the Royals management. One of the most successful managers in the history of English football, Southgate led England to the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the UEFA Euro 2020 final and the UEFA Euro 2024 final. 

He managed 102 matches for England, winning 61, losing 17 and playing out 24 draws during his eight-year tenure as head coach. Southgate was knighted in the New Year Honours list for 2025 in recognition of his services to English association football.

He was the fourth former England manager to receive a knighthood after World Cup-winning coach Alf Ramsey, Walter Winterbottom and Bobby Robson, and stepped down as head coach following England's Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.