ENG vs IND 2025: Head coach Gautam Gambhir to rejoin squad in Leeds on June 17

Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to rejoin the national squad in Leeds on June 17, just three days before the opening Test against England. Gambhir had returned to Delhi last week following a family emergency, as his mother had to be hospitalised due to a cardiac arrest. Thankfully, her condition has improved, allowing Gambhir to make his way back in time for the first Test.

The Indian team, which will play under newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill, has been in England for over a week preparing for the five-match Test series. During Gambhir’s absence, assistant coaches Ryan ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel and India A coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, oversaw the side’s preparations. A three-day intra-squad practice game between India and India A was conducted behind closed doors in Beckenham to simulate match conditions.

VVS Laxman seen with Indian team

Notably, Gambhir’s return will be crucial for finalising the playing XI. Meanwhile, the team faces important selection calls, including whether to field the experienced Karun Nair, who recently hammered a double century for India A and is in the form of his life, or hand a debut to young B Sai Sudharsan. 

Meanwhile, VVS Laxman has been spotted around the Indian team in London, although he has not been officially assigned a role by the BCCI. The former Indian batter is currently associated with the National Cricket Academy and can play a huge role in the team’s preparation for the series.

India will travel from London to Leeds on June 17, with June 16 designated as a rest day. With no practice scheduled on the travel day, the team is expected to head into an intense net session on June 18 and 19 in preparation for the first Test at Headingley starting June 20.

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