India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has returned to India from Australia due to a family emergency, Indian media reported on Tuesday, November 26. Gambhir, who was with the Indian squad for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025, flew back home but is expected to rejoin the team on December 3, just ahead of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Gambhir's departure comes after India’s emphatic 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where the visitors took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The win also pushed India to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 rankings.

According to reports, Gambhir’s return to India was due to a personal matter, with sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that a family health issue prompted his decision. The former India opener is expected to resume his coaching duties just in time for the second pink-ball Test starting on December 6.

“Gambhir has informed us that he will be travelling back home and will join the team before the start of the second Test. He has cited personal reasons and the BCCI has accepted his request,” Indian Express quoted a BCCI source as saying.

In his absence, India’s support staff, led by assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, will oversee the team’s training. Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, and T. Dilip, the fielding coach, will also play key roles in preparing the squad for the upcoming match.

Before the second Test in Adelaide, the Indian team will play a two-day pink-ball practice match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. The match, starting on November 30, will help the visitors acclimatize to day-night conditions ahead of the second Test.