Gautam Gambhir Returns Home Amid Family Emergency Before England Test Series

Gautam Gambhir's Sudden Departure

New Delhi: Just a week ahead of India's five-match Test series against England in Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir has returned home due to a family emergency. He was previously with the Indian squad in Beckenham, preparing for an intra-squad practice match set to begin on Friday.

Sources confirmed that Gambhir's departure was prompted by a significant family matter concerning his mother. It is believed that he has already reunited with his family in New Delhi.

Currently, it remains uncertain when Gambhir will rejoin the Indian team as they gear up for the Test series.

In his absence, the coaching staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip, will oversee the team's preparations against England, led by Ben Stokes.

This Test series marks Shubman Gill's debut as captain of the Indian team following Rohit Sharma's retirement last month. At just 25 years and 258 days old, Gill will be the fifth-youngest player to lead India in Test matches.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been appointed as vice-captain for this crucial series, which is scheduled from June 20 to August 4. The matches will take place at various venues, including Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord’s in London, Old Trafford in Manchester, and The Oval in London.

India is striving to secure a Test series victory in England for the first time since 2007. This series also marks India's initial challenge in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.