VVS Laxman is expected to take charge of India’s preparations for the first Test against England, with head coach Gautam Gambhir returning home due to a family emergency. As per a report by Revsportz, Laxman—currently heading the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence—is already in London with the India Under-19 squad, which is on a tour of the UK.
The junior team is scheduled to play five List A matches starting June 27, followed by two first-class games in Beckenham and Chelmsford. VVS Laxman has previously worked with the senior team, notably during a T20I series in South Africa when a second-string squad was fielded.
Gambhir flew back after his mother reportedly suffered a heart attack on June 11. This isn’t the first time he’s had to leave mid-series due to personal reasons—he also missed part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year.
There has been some scrutiny over Gambhir’s Test coaching capabilities, especially after series losses to New Zealand at home and Australia away, which cost India a spot in the World Test Championship final. He succeeded in white-ball cricket, winning the 2025 Champions Trophy and revamping the T20I side.
Sarfaraz scores quick hundred, Gill and Rahul hit fifties in practice match
India kicked off their final phase of preparations with an intra-squad match, where KL Rahul and Shubman Gill notched up fifties on Day 1, followed by a rapid century from Sarfaraz Khan, keeping his hopes alive for a place in the playing XI. This tour marks the beginning of a new chapter, with Shubman Gill stepping into the role of Test captain.
He faces a challenging task leading India against England in their own conditions and will require strong backing from the team. The squad is also hoping for head coach Gautam Gambhir to return soon. As per India Today, he is expected to rejoin the team on June 17—just three days before the first Test at Headingley.
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