Gautam Gambhir leave for Delhi due to a family emergency [Source: @khushbookadri/X.com]
On November 26, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had to leave for Delhi due to a family emergency. As a result, he will miss the pink-ball warm-up game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, which is set to begin on November 30. In his absence, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and fielding coach T Dilip will handle the training sessions for the Indian team.
The Indian squad will be in Canberra for a two-day practice match before their next challenge: the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. This match will be all-important as it will be a day-night Test, and the team will need to prepare for the challenges posed by the pink Kookaburra ball and Australia’s strong pace attack.
When Will Gambhir Return?
A BCCI official confirmed that Gambhir’s departure was due to an unavoidable personal emergency. However, the coach is expected to return before the start of the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on December 6.
“Gambhir has informed us that he will be travelling back home and will join the team before the start of the second Test. He has cited personal reasons and the BCCI has accepted his request,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
India Beat Australia In Perth
India have already taken a 1-0 lead in the five match series, following a dominant 295-run victory in Perth. This win helped India climb to the top of the standings and keep the World Test Championship final hopes alive. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah played a major role in the victory, taking 8 wickets for 72 runs in a brilliant performance.
Gautam Gambhir, who had faced criticism earlier after India’s loss to New Zealand, managed a rare smile in Perth as his young players like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped up and delivered their best.