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Gautam Gambhir To Join Shubman Gill And Co Soon; Set To Leave For England On June 16

Abhinav Tyagi

Gautam Gambhir - (Source : AP)Gautam Gambhir - (Source : AP)

In a significant development, ANI reported that India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is set to fly to England on Monday, June 16. The former India opener had previously returned to India on June 11 due to a family emergency.

Notably, Gambhir, alongside the entire Indian team, departed for England on June 5. The squad held a ten-day camp before travelling to Leeds for the first Test, which begins on June 20. However, on June 11, the 43-year-old rushed back to India after his mother suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU. According to the latest reports, Gambhir’s mother’s condition has improved, and the head coach is now set to return to duty.

Earlier, there were reports that Gambhir would fly back to England on June 17, but he will now arrive a day earlier. During Gambhir’s absence, India played an intra-squad match against India A, which concluded on Sunday, June 15.

VVS Laxman Steps In During Gambhir’s Absence

There were reports that VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, was spotted at the training ground and seemed to oversee preparations alongside the support staff in Gambhir’s absence.

However, the latest updates clarify that Laxman had no official role in overseeing the team’s preparations. According to a BCCI source quoted by Cricbuzz, Laxman was en route to Switzerland and stopped in London to interact with the players.

“He has gone there for some other purpose, not on any assignment with the Indian team. He travelled to London from Lausanne. He holds no official role there,” the BCCI source said.

Team Selection Remains a Challenge

Before departing for England, Gambhir and new captain Shubman Gill were asked about the playing XI. They indicated that a decision would be made after the conclusion of the ten-day camp.

With Gambhir’s absence and Laxman not having any official role in team proceedings, finalizing the playing XI for the first Test has become a significant challenge.