A week before the start of the Test series against England, Gautam Gambhir flew back home due to a family emergency. The India head coach had travelled to the UK with other members of Team India. But he had to return home. Team India continued its preparations and locked horns with India A in a three-day intra-squad game.

The fans are now waiting for an update on Gambhir's return. India have only managed one win in 8 Tests since Gambhir's appointment as head coach and he will have his task cut out in England.

Before the start of the Test series, a source close to Gambhir provided a big update about his return to England. Speaking to Cricbuzz, the source confirmed that the former India opener would return to England before the start of the first Test match.

"He will definitely rejoin the team before the first Test. He has consulted the doctors about his mother's condition, which has improved although she continues to be in the ICU. But he will plan his return soon," the source told Cricbuzz.

The same report adds that VVS Laxman has not been assigned any role in Gambhir's absence. He was spotted during the intra-squad match, which led to speculation that he may spearhead the coaching staff.

Laxman has often worked with Team India on a stand-in basis in the past. He travelled to South Africa with Team India for the four-match T20I series in November 2024.

Shubman Gill will make his Test captaincy debut in the first game of the five-match series. A legend in the making, Shubman has led India in 5 T20Is so far. The right-handed batsman has done captaincy in first-class cricket at the domestic level.

He will be assisted by Rishabh Pant, who has been a regular in the Test team since his debut in 2018. Rishabh has also led India in the shortest format.

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