Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back to India due to a family emergency. He is expected to return to England next week ahead of the 1st Test.
The emergency is related to his mother, who suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
England Tour a Crucial Test for Gautam Gambhir
The India tour of England is a major assignment for Gautam Gambhir, who is preparing to face the hosts with his new core Test team, led by new Indian Captain Shubman Gill. The five-match Test series is set to begin on June 20 at Headingly. This series marks a crucial test for Gambhir and co, who are yet to win a major Test series as head coach against a top-tier team since taking over in July 2024.
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The 43-year-old has coached 10 Test matches, starting with a 2-match series against Bangladesh, which India won 2-0. That was followed by a 3-match Test series against New Zealand, which India lost 0-3, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where India lost 1-3 and missed their chance to qualify for the WTC 2025 final.
Before leaving, Gambhir expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. He emphasized that if India is chasing results, every player must contribute at the highest level and play with freedom to meet their goals. Speaking ahead of the England tour, he said:
"You are always in a good space. Everyone wants to do well, express themselves. It does not matter if it’s a clean slate. For me, the most important thing is that we have players who want to go out and express themselves," said India head coach Gautam Gambhir when asked about his ambitions going forward.
Also Read:Â India Tour of England: India will come with high hopes, England looking forward to battle - Brendon McCullum
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India vs India A Warm-Up match Continues Without Head Coach Gambhir
Meanwhile, India is currently playing against India A in a closed-door warm-up match at the Kent Cricket Club. This match is not being broadcast, as the BCCI opted to keep it behind closed doors. It is taking place without the involvement of the head coach, who is presently in India. As per the latest reports, Gautam Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the first Test.
Stay tuned for more updates on the India tour of England 2025.
