India vs Australia: Gautam Gambhir Returns Home After Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1st Test Win Due to Family Emergency

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir has unexpectedly flown back to India after Team India's commanding 295-run victory against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Citing a personal emergency, Gambhir informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his plans, and the board has granted him leave.

Sources suggest that the issue involves a health concern within his family. "Gambhir has informed us that he will be travelling back home and will join the team before the start of the second Test. He has cited personal reasons, and the BCCI has accepted his request," Indian Express quoted a source as saying.

Gambhir is expected to return to Australia on December 3, ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide, scheduled to begin on December 6. The head coach's departure comes at a significant moment for Indian cricket.

India's emphatic victory in Perth, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling figures of 8/72, propelled the team to the top of the World Test Championship standings. Gambhir, who has faced criticism in the past, notably for backing young talents like Reddy and Harshit, managed a rare smile in Perth as his decisions bore fruit.

The duo, along with Bumrah, played pivotal roles in securing the win. In Gambhir's absence, the support staff-including assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and fielding coach T Dilip-will oversee the team.

Meanwhile, captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the Perth Test due to the birth of his son, has rejoined the squad. Rohit was spotted in the Indian dressing room on Day 4 of the Perth Test and later practiced with the pink ball on Monday.

Commenting on Rohit's nets session, Australian cricket commentator David Warner said, "He is looking nice and sharp... we're looking forward to seeing him back out on the park here on Australian soil."

The Indian team will first head to Canberra on Wednesday for a two-day pink-ball practice match starting Saturday. Gambhir's timely return will ensure his presence for the high-stakes second Test in Adelaide, where India aims to maintain their momentum against Australia.