Gautam Gambhir Leaves England Tour Midway After Mother’s Heart Attack, Return Date Uncertain
News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 13th June 2025
India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has rushed back to New Delhi from England due to a sudden family emergency. According to multiple reports, his mother suffered a serious heart attack and is currently being treated in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Gambhir, who had been in England overseeing preparations for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, left on June 12 to be by her side.
Gambhir had traveled ahead of the official Indian squad to supervise India A’s unofficial Test series against the England Lions. His early presence was part of the team’s broader strategy to acclimatize and prepare a young squad for the challenging English conditions. However, the unexpected health scare in his family forced him to abandon his duties temporarily.
In his absence, the team’s preparation is being handled by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, with strong support from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel. The intra-squad warm-up match in Beckenham, scheduled for June 13, proceeded under their guidance.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed full support for Gambhir during this difficult time. They have not confirmed his return date, stating that his comeback will depend entirely on his mother’s health condition. If she shows signs of recovery, Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team by June 17, just in time for the first Test at Headingley, Leeds on June 20.
This development comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket, as the team embarks on a new era under captain Shubman Gill following the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Gambhir’s absence, even if temporary, could affect the momentum of the team’s preparation, but the support staff is working diligently to ensure continuity.
The entire cricketing fraternity has extended their best wishes to Gambhir’s family, hoping for his mother’s swift recovery and his timely return to the team.
