Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has flown back to New Delhi from England due to a family emergency. This occurred just days before the crucial five-match Test series against England, which is set to begin on June 20th at Headingley, Leeds. The sudden departure has raised concerns about whether he will be able to rejoin the team in time for the opening Test.

Gambhir's mother, Seema Gambhir, reportedly suffered a heart attack on June 11th, prompting his urgent return. He left for India on June 12th. She is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in Delhi. Sources indicate that Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team by June 17th, provided his mother's condition stabilizes. This would allow him to be present for the first Test match.

In Gambhir's absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate is currently leading the Indian squad, supported by Morne Morkel and Sitanshu Kotak. They are overseeing the team's preparations, which include a vital four-day intra-squad warm-up match that commenced on June 13th. This match is designed to simulate real match conditions and help the players acclimatize to the English pitches. Hrishikesh Kanitkar is heading the India A setup.

This England series marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian cricket team. Following the retirements of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, Shubman Gill will be leading the team as captain for the first time in a Test series. The series is also significant as it marks India's first assignment in the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Gambhir's absence comes at a crucial time, as the team management was expected to finalize the batting lineup in preparation for the first Test. With key spots in the batting order now open due to the recent retirements, performances in the warm-up matches will be critical for players like Karun Nair, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel, who are vying for a place in the final playing XI. B Sai Sudharsan is also in contention to fill those shoes.

Before leaving, Gambhir emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic secrecy. He opted for a closed-door warm-up game to keep England guessing about India's team plans and combinations.

The five-Test series will be held across several prestigious venues, including Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. India's performance in this series will be crucial in shaping their WTC standing and boosting team morale.

Gambhir's coaching career has seen considerable success. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their 3rd IPL Title in 2024 as a mentor. He was appointed as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team on July 9, 2024. Under his guidance, India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The current situation is a challenging one for the Indian team. The team and fans are hoping for Gambhir's swift return.