Breaking News: Mother’s Heart Attack Forces Immediate Return
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has rushed back to India from England due to a family emergency, just days before the crucial five-match Test series against England. According to reports, Gambhir’s mother, Seema Gambhir, suffered a heart attack on June 11 and is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in Delhi.
The 43-year-old coach flew back to India on June 12 to be with his family during this critical time. Gautam Gambhir is currently attending to his mother at Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi, where she is receiving treatment.
Impact on England Tour Preparations
Gautam Gambhir’s unexpected departure has come as a major setback for the Indian team, particularly as they were scheduled to play a crucial intra-squad practice match on June 13 at Beckenham. The four-day practice fixture between India and India A was considered vital preparation for the Test series, especially given the team’s transition period following recent retirements.
In Gautam Gambhir’s absence, the coaching staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip, will oversee the team’s preparations. The intra-squad match will proceed as planned, with the support staff taking charge of the proceedings.
Expected Return Timeline
Despite the family emergency, sources indicate that Gautam Gambhir is expected to rejoin the Indian squad before the first Test at Headingley, which begins on June 20. Reports suggest he could return to the team setup by June 17, giving him three days to prepare with the squad before the series opener.
The timeline for his return will depend entirely on his mother’s recovery and medical condition. Doctors are reportedly encouraged by her condition and are hopeful for a potential early recovery, which could facilitate Gautam Gambhir’s return to England next week.
Series Context and Challenges
The England tour represents a significant challenge for the Indian team, marking the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025-27. This series is particularly crucial as it will be India’s first Test assignment without three of their most experienced players – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have all retired from Test cricket in recent months.
Under new captain Shubman Gill, the young Indian squad faces the daunting task of trying to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. Gambhir’s presence as head coach is considered vital given his aggressive cricketing mindset and experience in high-pressure situations.
Gautam Gambhir’s Recent Message to the Team
Just before his departure, Gambhir had delivered an inspiring speech to the squad, acknowledging the challenge ahead while expressing confidence in the team’s potential. In a huddle talk captured by the BCCI, he said: “There are two ways of looking at this tour. One is that we are without our three most experienced players, or we have a phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country”.
He emphasised the need for the team to step out of their comfort zones and fight for every session, every hour, and every ball to make the tour memorable
No Official BCCI Statement Yet
While multiple reports have confirmed Gambhir’s return to India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation. Sources close to the development have confirmed that Gambhir informed the board about flying back home due to personal reasons.
The cricket fraternity and fans are sending their best wishes to Gautam Gambhir and his family during this difficult time, hoping for his mother’s speedy recovery and his return to guide the team in what promises to be a challenging but potentially historic series in England.
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