India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Leaves BGT Series for Personal Reasons

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has left the squad during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for personal reasons, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. Gambhir, who will miss the two-day tour game against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, is expected to rejoin the team ahead of the Adelaide Test starting on December 6, as confirmed by a BCCI spokesperson.

In his absence, the coaching duties will be overseen by assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel. The team remains in high spirits following a resounding comeback victory in the first Test against Australia in Perth.

India’s first Test of the series witnessed a dramatic turnaround. Despite being dismissed for a mere 150 runs in the first innings, the team bounced back to secure a commanding 295-run victory. Key contributions in the first innings came from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37), whose partnership of 48 runs helped India recover from a precarious position.

Australia’s response was even more lackluster, bowled out for just 104 runs. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance with figures of 5/30, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48.

India’s second innings was a batting masterclass. Openers KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) built a massive 201-run partnership, laying the foundation for a formidable total. Virat Kohli (100*), with support from Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*), propelled India to 487/6 declared, setting Australia a mammoth target of 534 runs.

Australia’s second innings started disastrously, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj reducing them to 12/3 by stumps on Day 3. While Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) offered resistance, Australia was bowled out for 238 on Day 4. Bumrah and Siraj took three wickets each, while Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana chipped in with crucial dismissals.

Bumrah’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. With figures of 8/72 across both innings and vital leadership in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Bumrah was instrumental in India’s victory.

Meanwhile, India’s regular skipper Rohit Sharma joined the team in Australia following the birth of his second child. Sharma has resumed net practice and is expected to lead the team in the next Test.