India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has returned to India due to a family emergency. He flew back on Wednesday, June 11, after his mother suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU at Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi.
Gambhir had travelled to the UK with the Indian cricket team to prepare for the five-Test series against England, starting on June 20 in Headingley, Leeds. He was supposed to oversee a practice match between India and India A, which began on Friday, June 13. However, he had to return urgently to be with his family.
A source from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) said, “Gambhir left for India on Wednesday due to a family emergency. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”
When will Gambhir return?
As of now, there is no fixed date for Gambhir’s return to the UK. It depends on his mother’s health condition. If she recovers well, he is likely to be back before the first Test.
Who is managing the team in his absence?
While Gambhir is away, the team is being guided by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, along with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Has this happened before?
Yes, this is not the first time Gambhir has had to return home due to personal reasons. In December 2024, he returned from Australia before the second Test citing personal reasons. Back then, Abhishek Nayar, along with other coaching staff, took charge.
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Also, in January 2024, cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave a Test match in Rajkot midway to attend to his mother’s medical emergency. He returned later to continue playing.
