Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has flown back home after the team’s victory in the first Test against Australia in Perth. The move came as a surprise, as there was no prior plan for Gambhir or any other staff member to leave. Gambhir cited personal reasons for his sudden departure, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accepted. He is expected to rejoin the team before the second Test in Adelaide.

According to a report, Gambhir informed the BCCI of his travel plans, and the board had no objection to his request. “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,” a source told the paper.

The Indian team is now preparing for a two-day pink-ball practice match in Canberra starting Saturday. Gambhir, however, will not be with the squad for this match. The team is gearing up for the second Test in Adelaide, which will be a day-night encounter.

In a positive development for Team India, skipper Rohit Sharma has rejoined the squad after missing the first Test due to the birth of his son. Rohit was spotted with Gambhir in the dressing room on Day 4 of the Perth Test and has already begun pink-ball practice in the nets to prepare for the Adelaide clash.