Gambhir returns to India to attend to his ailing mother

Gambhir Returns to India to Attend to His Ailing Mother

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has urgently returned to New Delhi due to a family emergency. His mother suffered a heart attack and is currently receiving medical care.

The date of Gautam Gambhir's return to England remains unknown © Getty

Gambhir's mother is being treated at Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi. An Indian team spokesman confirmed that Gambhir left for India "day before yesterday on a family emergency." Her condition was believed to be in the ICU at the time of reporting.

Sources close to Gambhir have indicated that doctors are optimistic about her potential recovery. There is hope that he could rejoin the Indian team before the first Test match in Leeds, scheduled to begin on June 20.

There is a possibility that Gambhir might return to England early next week. However, given the delicate nature of the situation, confirming a specific departure date remains challenging.

In Gambhir's absence, it remains unclear who will take charge of the team. The coaching staff includes Sitanshu Kotak (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), T Dilip (fielding coach), and Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach).

The Indian team is presently participating in a four-day intra-squad match at Beckenham, featuring players from the senior national side and the India A team. This match, held behind closed doors, will continue until June 16. Following the match, the Test players will depart for Headingley in preparation for the first Test.

Homage to Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims

Prior to the commencement of the intra-squad game in Beckenham, the players and support staff observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash. Additionally, all team members wore black armbands as a gesture of mourning.