Fresh off India’s victorious campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025, head coach Gautam Gambhir is already shifting his focus to the upcoming five-Test series in England. With no international commitments for India over the next three months, Gambhir is planning to travel with the India ‘A’ squad to England ahead of the senior team’s tour, which begins on June 20.
According to The Times of India, Gambhir’s involvement with the India ‘A’ team marks a rare move for a senior team coach, highlighting the importance of the England series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not have a designated coach for its developmental squads, which raises the question of whether Gambhir will be there as an observer or if National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman will oversee the coaching duties.
This decision shows Gambhir’s commitment to thorough preparation, as he looks to assess India’s reserve talent and fine-tune strategies ahead of the challenging England series.
Gambhir’s approach isn’t limited to just the upcoming England series. The former Indian opener is working on a comprehensive plan for Indian cricket across formats, keeping major tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup, the World Test Championship, and the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
A BCCI source revealed that since returning from Australia, Gambhir has been in regular discussions with the board regarding his vision. “Gambhir has expressed his desire to travel with the India ‘A’ team to get a clearer view of the reserve pool,” the source told TOI.
His hands-on involvement reflects his intent to build a well-rounded squad with a deep talent pool, ensuring India remains competitive in all formats.
Gambhir’s influence on team selection was evident during the Champions Trophy 2025, where some of his bold choices proved decisive in India’s triumph. The BCCI source acknowledged that Gambhir had played a key role in selecting a few wildcard players who turned out to be instrumental in the team’s success.
“With India winning the Champions Trophy after Gambhir’s insistence on certain wild card players, one may expect him to assert more in the future,” the source added.
This victory has further cemented Gambhir’s influence over team strategy and selection. His forward-thinking approach, coupled with meticulous planning, is likely to shape Indian cricket in the coming years.
As IPL 2025 takes center stage, Gambhir will keep a close watch on players before turning his full attention to England. With his proactive strategies and a sharp eye for talent, India’s preparation for the England Test series is set to be more rigorous than ever.
