Gautam Gambhir returning to India just a week before the first Test of the five-match series between India and England has raised a question about who will oversee India's preparations in the build-up to the high-octane series. The exact date of Gambhir's return to England is still unknown, as his mother is currently undergoing treatment after suffering a heart attack, which forced him to rush back to New Delhi on June 13.

In Gambhir's absence, VVS Laxman, the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru, has been seen with and around the Indian team over the past couple of days. Laxman was also present during the intra-squad match between India A and India at Beckenham, along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

At the moment, no official role has been assigned to Laxman by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, being a legendary red-ball cricketer and the head of the NCA, Laxman remains very much part of the Indian set-up.

As per media reports, Gambhir will return to England before the first Test in Leeds, starting June 20, possibly by Monday. Thus, Laxman is likely to offer his advice to coaches and insights to players about adapting to tricky English conditions.

According to Cricbuzz, Laxman may even return home after initial discussions with the coaching staff and players ahead of the first Test. The report also cited BCCI sources who said Laxman has not been assigned any formal role with the Indian team in England. He travelled to London from Lausanne, Switzerland. However, the idea of having him in England is to help players and coaches prepare well for the Test series.

Laxman has significant experience in dealing with bowlers in English conditions. He played 34 first-class matches in England and 11 Tests across three tours - 2002, 2007, and 2011.

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