Gautam Gambhir Returns as Head Coach for India's Test Series Against England

Gautam Gambhir Rejoins Team India

Ahead of the five-match Test series against England starting June 20, Gautam Gambhir has made his return as head coach of the Indian cricket team. He was spotted engaging with the team during a training session on June 18, much to the delight of the players. The first Test is set to take place in Leeds, with Shubman Gill leading the team and Rishabh Pant serving as the vice-captain.

Gambhir's Personal Challenges

Gambhir had to return to India on June 11 due to his mother's heart attack, which required her hospitalization. This unfortunate event kept him from participating in the intra-squad match against India A. Fortunately, his mother's health has improved, allowing him to rejoin the team before the first Test. During his absence, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, took charge of the training.

India Aims for Victory in the Test Series

The upcoming Test series against England marks the beginning of India's World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. The squad features several talented players, and it will be interesting to see Gambhir's strategies for the first Test. The Indian team will need to perform strongly across all departments to secure a win against England.

The second Test is scheduled to commence on July 2 at Edgbaston, followed by the third Test starting July 10 at Lord's. The fourth match will take place on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester, while the final Test is set for July 31 at The Oval in London. Notably, India has not won a Test series in England for the past 18 years, with their last tour ending in a 2-2 draw.