India head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to fly back home citing "personal reasons" after his team won the opening Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy at Perth.
According to a report in the Indian Express, Gambhir informed the BCCI about his sudden departure, and the board granted him permission.
"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," the Indian daily quoted a source as saying.
Before the pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 6, India will travel to Canberra for a two-day tour match against Prime Minister’s XI. The developments mean Gambhir won’t be a part of the practice match starting November 30. However, the report claimed he would link up with the team before the day-night Test.
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In Gambhir’s absence, India’s coaching staff include assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel and fielding coach T Dilip. They are expected to oversee things until Gambhir’s return.
Gambhir entered the tour with immense pressure after India succumbed to their first Test series defeat at home in 12 years, against New Zealand. The 0-3 whitewash was also preceded by a clean sweep in his maiden ODI series as India head coach, against Sri Lanka. The historic victory in Perth would give him a sigh of relief.
Captain Rohit joins the squad
India received another major boost with the arrival of captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the first match due to the birth of his child.
He was spotted sitting with Gambhir in India’s dressing room during day four of the Perth Test. Rohit was also seen practising against the pink ball on Monday to get in rhythm ahead of the Adelaide Test.
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