ENG vs IND 2025: Gautam Gambhir rejoins Indian team in Leeds after returning from home

In a welcome news, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has returned to England ahead of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. Gambhir had returned to India to care for his ailing mother, who was in the intensive care unit (ICU) after suffering a heart attack. According to multiple reports, Gambhir’s mother has not totally recovered but is in much better condition, giving the head coach the green light to rejoin the squad for national duty.

With only a few days till the match, the Indian players arrived at the location for their first practice session on June 18,

Gautam Gambhir was pictured among them after checking in less than 24 hours earlier.

The 43-year-old’s arrival is a significant help for the Indian team, since his experience playing in England is crucial, especially as nearly half of the squad is playing a series in the United Kingdom for the first time.

The visiting squad, which is relatively inexperienced, is likewise going through a moment of significant upheaval. Following the retirements of his predecessors, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the selectors recently chosen Shubman Gill as the team’s new captain. Rishabh Pant will be Gill’s deputy, and India will be playing its maiden series with a fresh lineup.

Harshit Rana has been selected to India’s squad for the Leeds Test.

Meanwhile, the Indian team has added Harshit Rana to their squad for the first Test. The fast bowler’s inclusion comes amid injury concerns for several players from the initial roster. Rana, who was part of India A’s squad for a few of games against the England Lions and an intra-squad match against the senior team, was asked to stay even after the tour concluded. He is now expected to return home after the Headingley match.