IND vs ENG: Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Joins Team India Ahead Of 1st Test vs England

Gautam Gambhir rejoins Team India in Leeds ahead of England Test series, boosting Shubman Gill’s young WTC squad.

Team India received a big boost ahead of the first Test against England as head coach Gautam Gambhir joined the squad in Leeds on Tuesday (June 18). Gambhir had flown back to India a few days earlier after his mother, Seema Gambhir, suffered a cardiac arrest.

Despite the family emergency, Gambhir made the tough call to return to England and be with the team ahead of the five-match Test series, which begins June 20 at Headingley. He left for the UK on Monday (June 17) and rejoined the squad the next morning.

A video shared by a journalist showed Gambhir interacting with the support staff as Team India continued its preparation in Leeds. His presence comes at a crucial time, especially as the team steps into a new era under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

What Gambhir’s Presence Means for India

Gambhir is known for his strong mindset and ability to take bold decisions. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin having retired from red-ball cricket, the team is now relatively inexperienced. Having someone like Gambhir in the dressing room adds confidence to a young squad.

Under his guidance, Team India will begin their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With Gill captaining a Test side for the first time, Gambhir’s experience and calm leadership will be helpful, both tactically and mentally.

India still has a few experienced names like Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, but a majority of the squad is made up of youngsters. Gambhir’s return gives the squad a sense of stability as they prepare for what promises to be a testing series against England in English conditions.