Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is not part of the intra-squad warm-up match as he had to fly back to India to attend to his mother, who has been admitted to the hospital. As per reports, former cricketer VVS Laxman has stepped in as the interim coach to oversee the team’s preparations.
Gautam Gambhir, who had traveled with the national cricket team to England for the upcoming five-match Test series, has returned to India due to a family emergency. The head coach was involved in the team’s initial training sessions but was forced to return home to attend to a sudden emergency.
VVS Laxman to Take Charge of Team India in Gautam Gambhir’s Absence
Team India has been training in Beckenham and is currently playing an intra-squad match against India A. However, Gautam Gambhir is not part of the preparations, having returned to India a few days ago due to a family emergency.
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With no clarity on when Gambhir will rejoin the team, assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak, Morne Morkel, and Ryan ten Doeschate have temporarily taken over the coaching duties.
Meanwhile, according to a report by RevSportz, the BCCI has asked former cricketer and current Head of the National Cricket Academy, VVS Laxman, to step in as interim head coach to oversee the team’s preparation until Gambhir’s return.
“With Gautam Gambhir away in India attending a family emergency, VVS Laxman who has often traveled and managed India teams in the recent past, could well step in and manage the team here in England for a few days,” RevSportz wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
🚨 UPDATE
With Gautam Gambhir away in India attending a family emergency, VVS Laxman who has often traveled and managed India teams in the recent past, could well step in and manage the team here in England for a few days.@rohitjuglan#TeamIndia #VVSLaxman #gautamgambhir pic.twitter.com/ZfGseAbveG
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 14, 2025
VVS Laxman and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar Present at Beckenham on Day 2
RevSportz further added that VVS Laxman has arrived in London and was seen monitoring Team India’s practice match ahead of the England Test series. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was also present during the match.
This isn’t the first time Laxman has stepped in as interim coach. He has led the senior team whenever full-time coaches like Rahul Dravid or Gautam Gambhir were unavailable.
“NCA Head, VVS Laxman and Chief Selector, Ajit Agarkar were present at the Beckenham ground to watch Day 2 of India’s intra-squad practice game. With Gautam Gambhir away, why Laxman’s presence is crucial for the team ahead of the 1st Test,” RevSportz added.
🚨NCA Head, VVS Laxman and Chief Selector, Ajit Agarkar were present at the Beckenham ground to watch Day 2 of India’s intra-squad practice game.
With Gautam Gambhir away, why Laxman’s presence is crucial for the team ahead of the 1st Test, @rohitjuglan explains… pic.twitter.com/RJEuUWBMwl
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 14, 2025
India to Begin England Test Series at Headingley on June 20
India are set to begin their series in England with the first Test at Headingley from June 20 to 24. The second Test will be held at Edgbaston (July 2-6), followed by the third at Lord’s (July 10-14). Old Trafford will host the fourth Test from July 23, with the final match at The Oval from July 31.
India will head into the series with significant changes to their leadership and squad. Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. His appointment comes during a major transition.
Virat Kohli has also stepped away from Test cricket, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the retirement of three senior players, Gill will lead a relatively new-look Indian side in English conditions.
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