In a surprising move, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back to India following the team’s victory over Australia in the opening Test of their 5-match series in Perth. The decision came as a shock, as there had been no prior indication that Gautam Gambhir or any other member of the coaching staff would leave the tour mid-series. According to reports, Gautam Gambhir informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about a ‘personal reason’ that required his immediate return home.
While the exact nature of the personal reason behind Gautam Gambhir’s sudden departure remains unclear, the BCCI has reportedly accepted his request and given their approval for his return. A source quoted in a report by the Indian Express stated, “Gautam 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.” Gautam Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team before the second Test in Adelaide, though the exact date of his return has not been confirmed.
As the Indian team prepares to travel to Canberra for a two-day pink-ball practice game ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide, Gautam Gambhir will not be part of the squad for the upcoming tour match. The practice match, scheduled to begin on Saturday, will be an essential part of the team’s preparations for the second Test, and with Gautam Gambhir’s absence, the team will continue its build-up under the guidance of the rest of the coaching staff.
In a related development, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who had missed the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his son, has now rejoined the team. Rohit was seen in the dressing room on Day 4 of the first Test alongside Gautam Gambhir and has been practicing with the pink-ball in the nets as he looks to sharpen his skills ahead of the Adelaide Test. The return of both Rohit Sharma and the team’s head coach is expected to provide a boost to India’s preparation for the remainder of the series.
The sudden departure of Gautam Gautam Gambhir has raised questions, but for now, the focus remains on the Indian team’s performance and their preparations for the upcoming challenges in the Test series against Australia.
