The Indian cricket team secured a commanding victory against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, defeating the hosts by an impressive margin of 295 runs in Perth. This emphatic performance not only sets the tone for the series but also instills confidence as they prepare for the second Test—a pink-ball encounter in Adelaide scheduled to begin on December 6. However, the challenge ahead is steep, as the last time India played a day-night Test in Australia, they faced a historic low, being bowled out for a mere 36 runs.
In a surprising development, India’s Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has had to return to India due to a personal emergency. A source from the BCCI disclosed that a family member of the former Indian opener is dealing with health issues. Gambhir is expected to rejoin the team in Australia on December 3, just in time for the Adelaide Test. Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test for personal reasons, has rejoined the squad, adding strength and leadership to the camp.
“Yes, Gambhir has left for India due to a personal emergency,” confirmed the BCCI source. “It seems someone in his family is facing health concerns. He will, however, return to Australia by December 3, ahead of the second Test at Adelaide.”
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As India prepares for the pink-ball challenge, the team has arranged a two-day practice match starting November 30 to refine their skills under the lights. With Gambhir absent, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel and fielding coach T. Dilip, will oversee preparations. Their combined experience is vital for the team to adapt to the conditions and move past the mental hurdle from their previous pink-ball setback.
India coach Gautam Gambhir heads home for ‘personal reasons,’ and will rejoin the team before the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Assistant coaches will take charge until then#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Wqn3lhKggM
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 26, 2024
Rohit Sharma’s presence lifted the spirits of both the team and fans. On Day 4 of the Perth Test, he was spotted joining his teammates, a moment quickly caught by the cameras. Former Australian opener David Warner, who was commentating during the event, offered a friendly welcome to Rohit.
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“And just during the lunch break here at the nets, we’ve got the captain of India, Rohit Sharma, who’s just arrived in the country,” David Warner remarked. “He’s looking sharp against his teammates in the nets. We can see Mukesh Kumar sending down a nice delivery, and it’s great to have the captain here ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. We’re looking forward to seeing him back on the park in Australia.”
With the stakes high and memories of their previous struggles fresh, India’s focus remains on mastering the pink ball and leveraging their recent momentum. The second Test in Adelaide promises to be a crucial chapter in this fiercely contested series.
