Now a player will be the head coach of Team India in place of Gautam Gambhir, will play an important role in the England series

The Indian cricket team is currently preparing for a crucial five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20. However, just days before the tour officially kicks off, an unexpected situation has forced a major shift in the team’s coaching structure. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had to urgently return to India from England after his mother suffered a heart attack. The seriousness of her condition required his immediate presence, leading to concerns about how the Indian team would manage its final preparations in his absence.

Understanding the urgency of the situation and the importance of the upcoming Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded promptly. The board decided to assign VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), to temporarily take over coaching duties for the senior national team. Laxman, a respected former cricketer and known for his calm demeanor and deep cricketing knowledge, is currently in London working with the Under-19 team, making him well-placed to seamlessly step into this interim role. He will guide the squad until Gambhir is able to return, which is expected to be around June 17 or 18.

Laxman is no stranger to coaching the Indian side. In previous years, he has stepped in during interim assignments, including the T20I series against South Africa, where India delivered an impressive performance. His presence brings a sense of stability to the dressing room, especially during a time when the team is undergoing a significant transition. The upcoming series against England is being seen as a major test for the new-look Indian side, as several seasoned campaigners such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin have recently retired from Test cricket, marking the end of an era.

This tour will also witness a new chapter in Indian cricket leadership, with Shubman Gill being appointed the Test captain for the first time. The young batter, seen as one of the most promising talents of his generation, will now shoulder the responsibility of leading the team in one of the toughest formats and in one of the most challenging conditions – in England. Alongside him, Rishabh Pant will serve as the vice-captain, returning to the Test setup after a long injury layoff. The duo represents the new core of Indian cricket, and their performances will be closely watched.

However, the Indian squad faces further complications, especially in the bowling department. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, though included in the squad, is not expected to play all five matches due to workload management and fitness concerns. This means the team will need its bench strength to step up and deliver, especially in swinging English conditions that are historically known to test even the most experienced cricketers.

Despite these challenges, the BCCI remains confident. The board trusts Laxman’s ability to guide and support the new leadership group in preparing for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive series. According to a report from RevSportz, preparations are already underway under Laxman's guidance, with a focus on building team chemistry and strategic planning. His presence is expected to provide a strong mentoring influence for Gill and the rest of the squad.

In conclusion, while Gambhir’s temporary exit from the England tour has added an unexpected twist to the Indian team’s preparation phase, the BCCI’s quick decision to bring in VVS Laxman has helped maintain stability. With a young captain at the helm, an experienced interim coach in place, and the backing of the cricket board, Team India is gearing up to take on England in what could be a defining Test series for the next generation of Indian cricketers.