India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has temporarily left India’s tour of England after his mother, Seema Gambhir, reportedly suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU. The incident occurred just before India’s intra-squad match in Kent, a key preparatory game ahead of the five-match Test series against England. Gambhir, who is on his first red-ball assignment as head coach, is expected to rejoin the national squad before the opening Test on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

During Gambhir’s absence, batting coach Sitangshu Kotak and bowling coach Morne Morkel will supervise the team’s preparations. The Indian squad is currently engaged in a four-day intra-squad practice match designed to replicate Test match conditions, although it has not been accorded first-class status. This fixture serves as a critical platform to evaluate player fitness and form, especially as the team navigates a transitional phase following the retirement of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Gambhir has already made his presence felt by shaping the team’s tactical approach, including ordering closed-door practice sessions and requesting a surface similar to actual Test pitches. Under new captain Shubman Gill, the team is also facing key selection decisions, particularly in choosing between spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, returning from an extended injury break, will use this match to assess his red-ball readiness. Despite the family emergency, Gambhir is expected to return in time to lead India into the high-stakes England series.