New Delhi, June 13, 2025 — In a sudden development, Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has flown back from England today to attend to a serious family emergency involving his mother. This is a temporary pause, but it comes during a high-stakes phase just ahead of India’s five‑match Test series in England starting June 20.
Why Gambhir Left England Abruptly
Gambhir had traveled to England last week to monitor preparations for the upcoming Test tour—marking a proactive step by the BCCI to introduce his coaching philosophy ahead of the departure of Rohit Sharma as captain and the appointment of Shubman Gill. However, on Wednesday, June 11, his mother suffered a cardiac arrest and was admitted to a Delhi ICU
According to sources cited by NDTV, Gambhir flew home on Thursday, June 12, arriving in New Delhi to be by his mother’s bedside. The BCCI also confirmed that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, will continue overseeing team preparation in his absence
Source: DNA India News
Family Comes First – A True Priority
This isn’t the first time the cricketing world has witnessed a sudden departure due to family health emergencies. Just last year, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had to return from a Test series when his mother fell ill. Such instances reinforce an important truth: even during the highest levels of international sport, human priorities often come to the forefront.
Gautam Gambhir Returns From England Due To Family Emergency#DNAVideos | #GautamGambhir | #INDvsENG | #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/vAEEodrpcz
— DNA (@dna) June 13, 2025
Source: DNA (@dna)
A BCCI source told Hindustan Times:
“Gambhir had to return to India because of a family emergency. He left for India on Wednesday. Our prayers are with his family.”
Immediate Fallout: Coaching Transition Mid-Tour
In Gambhir’s absence, the team faces a smooth but temporary transition in leadership. Ryan ten Doeschate will manage the initial intra-squad warm-up match, supported by Kotak and Morkel. This matches the strategy used by DD News, which emphasized that Gambhir was with the squad in Beckenham before his departure on urgent family business
Here’s the support staff overseeing operations during this interim period:
- Ryan ten Doeschate – Assistant Coach
- Morne Morkel – Bowling Coach
- Sitanshu Kotak – Batting Coach
- T Dilip – Fielding Coach
Despite Gambhir’s early departure, the BCCI has affirmed that he is fully expected to rejoin the team before the first Test at Headingley on June 20, provided his mother’s health improve
Gambhir’s Recent Appointment
Gautam Gambhir took office as India’s head coach in July 2024, following Rahul Dravid’s exit after the 2024 ICC ODI World Cup . His appointment was hailed as a bold shift given his remarkable track record mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL titles in 2024, and his promise of instilling an aggressive modern mindset.
Gambhir has swiftly become known for his hands‑on approach—attending practice sessions in England earlier this month to familiarize himself with team dynamics. His return home mid-tour caused a slight disruption, yet the foundation he built has ensured smooth continuity.
What’s Next for India in England
1. Warm-Up Intra-Squad Matches
India faced India A in a practice match earlier today. With Gambhir away, ten Doeschate led the team, ensuring the strategic momentum is maintained
2. Test Series Begins June 20
The first Test kicks off at Headingley. Captain Shubman Gill—set to become the fifth-youngest Indian Test captain—alongside vice-captain Rishabh Pant, will hold responsibilities until Gambhir’s return
3. Gambhir’s Return
The coach is anticipated back in England within the next week, pending his mother’s recovery. The specifics remain fluid, and no official date has been announced.
Gautam Gambhir’s sudden return to India due to his mother’s medical emergency has stirred concern, yet it hasn’t shaken the foundations of Team India’s England campaign. The support staff’s smooth takeover, along with Gambhir’s expected quick return, ensures that tactical planning and preparations continue unhindered. This incident brings a reminder that beneath international success lies the fundamental precedence of family – an ethos increasingly respected in modern sports culture.
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