India men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir will fly back home after the 295-run win at Perth Stadium to kickstart Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Sports Tak has learnt that Gambhir is going back home due to personal reasons.
However, Gambhir will rejoin the Indian squad before the pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 6.
In Gambhir's absence, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel and fielding coach T Dilip will oversee the training sessions.
Before the Adelaide Test, India will play a two-day practice game against Prime Ministers XI starting November 30 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma who joined the squad in Perth after paternity leave may look to get some match practice in the two-day game.
Indian skipper begins practice for pink-ball Test
On November 25, Rohit started practicing in the nets while Indian bowlers dominated the hosts. Former Australian opener David Warner observed Rohit's batting session where he faced Prasidh Krishna and others.
“And just during the lunch break here at the nets, we’ve got captain of India Rohit Sharma, who’s just arrived in the country,” Warner said on Fox Cricket.
“He is looking nice and sharp against his fellow countrymen here in the nets. We’ve got a few of the Indian fast bowlers bowling towards the captain ahead of the pink ball Test match starting the 6th of December in Adelaide. As we just see there Mukesh Kumar sending down a nice delivery. But it’s great to see the captain here and we’re looking forward to seeing him back out on the park here on Australian soil,” he added.
Update on Gill
India's top order batter Shubman Gill injured his thumb before the Perth Test. His injury will be assessed over the week and a final call will be taken before the second Test. He is likely to miss the two-day practice game later this week.
In Gill's absence, Devdutt Padikkal was added to the squad and batted at no.3. With Rohit's return, KL Rahul may bat at no.3 if Gill does not recover.
