Team India’s preparations for the much-anticipated Test series against England have taken an emotional turn, as head coach Gautam Gambhir has returned to India due to a family emergency. Sources close to the development confirm that Gambhir’s mother suffered a heart attack and is currently admitted to the ICU. The BCCI is yet to issue an official statement, but players and staff have extended their support.
This comes just days after Gambhir delivered a stirring dressing room speech ahead of the five-match Test series, motivating a new-look Indian squad to step up in the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, India is set to begin a new chapter in the ICC World Test Championship cycle starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
Despite the personal setback, Gambhir’s groundwork—both tactically and emotionally—has already left a mark. His decision to conduct a behind-closed-doors intra-squad match in Beckenham was seen as a strategic masterstroke, focusing on red-ball conditioning and tactical secrecy.
As the team continues preparations under the support staff and bowling coach Morne Morkel, fans hope for Gambhir’s quick return and his mother’s recovery. His absence will be felt deeply, especially as India readies itself for one of the toughest overseas challenges in the new WTC cycle.
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