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Key Points

Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir has unexpectedly returned to New Delhi due to a family emergency, just days before the critical Test series against England. The team remains well-prepared, with coaches like Sitanshu Kotak and Morne Morkel supporting the squad. Young captain Shubman Gill, at 25, is set to lead India in this significant tour. The team aims to break their long-standing drought of winning a Test series in England, with matches scheduled across multiple iconic venues.

Key Points: Gambhir Leaves England Team for Urgent Family Matter

  • Gambhir departs team before crucial England Test series
  • Shubman Gill set to captain at 25
  • Rishabh Pant named vice-captain
  • India aims to break 16-year England Test series drought
2 min read

Head coach Gambhir flies back to India from England due to family emergency

Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir rushes back to New Delhi amid family emergency before crucial England Test series

"Yes it came to light yesterday that Gambhir would be flying back home - IANS Sources"

New Delhi, June 13

A week before India begins their five-match Test series against England in Leeds, head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back home due to a family emergency. Gambhir had been with the Indian team at Beckenham ahead of their intra-squad practice match starting on Friday.

"Yes it came to the light yesterday that Gambhir would be flying back home due to an important family emergency related to his mother. As of now, we believe that Gambhir has already linked up with his family in New Delhi.

"Keeping in mind the current situation, it's not known yet about when he would join the India team ahead of the Test series' commencement," said sources aware of development to IANS on Friday.

In Gambhir's absence, alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip will help the Indian team prepare for the upcoming Test series against Ben Stokes-led England, which starts at Headingley.

The Test tour of England will also be right-handed batter Shubman Gill's first assignment as the captain of the Indian team, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma last month. At 25 years and 258 days, Gill will also become the fifth-youngest cricketer to captain India in Tests.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be India's vice-captain on the all-important Test series, which runs from June 20 to August 4. India and England will also play matches at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's in London, Old Trafford in Manchester and The Oval in London.

India are aiming to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. The Test series in England will also be India's first assignment in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
Family comes first always. Hope Gambhir's mother recovers soon 🙏 The coaching staff seems capable enough to handle things in his absence. More worried about how Gill will perform as captain - big shoes to fill after Rohit!
P
Priya K.
Wishing Gambhir and his family strength during this difficult time. On cricket front - this England tour is crucial for our WTC standing. Hope the young leadership of Gill and Pant rises to the occasion. England conditions are always challenging!
R
Rahul S.
Gambhir's absence is a big blow right before the series. His aggressive mindset was exactly what we needed against England's bazball approach. Hope he returns soon. Meanwhile, Gill's captaincy debut in England - baptism by fire! 🔥
S
Sanjana M.
Health and family should always be priority. But can't help feeling nervous - England tour is our final frontier! Last won in 2007?? That's too long. Hope the team management has backup plans ready. Gill-Pant combo needs to step up big time.
V
Vikram D.
Tough situation for Gambhir. Hope BCCI provides all support needed. On cricket side - this shows our over-reliance on individuals. Coaching staff should be strong enough to handle such situations. Good test for our system before important series.

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