In a significant update for Indian cricket fans, head coach Gautam Gambhir will not be present for the upcoming two-day tour game against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, commencing on November 30. Gambhir has temporarily left the team to attend to personal matters in India. The absence of the head coach comes at a crucial juncture as the team prepares for the challenges of the Australian tour.

A spokesperson from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Gambhir would rejoin the squad ahead of the first Test match, a highly anticipated day-night encounter in Adelaide, scheduled to start on December 6. The departure of Gambhir is expected to be brief, ensuring his presence in Adelaide, where the Indian team will face the hosts under the floodlights with the pink ball—a format that has been evolving into a spectacle in modern Test cricket.

The tour game in Canberra, although a day match, will feature the pink Kookaburra ball, providing the Indian players with a valuable opportunity to adapt to its unique characteristics. This match will serve as a vital preparatory exercise for the Indian squad, allowing them to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the series opener in Adelaide.

Gambhir, who took over as head coach earlier this year, has been instrumental in shaping the team's strategies and fostering a competitive environment. His leadership has been a pivotal factor in guiding the team through various international fixtures. The Indian cricket fraternity and fans alike are hopeful that his temporary absence will not disrupt the team's preparations.

As the Indian squad continues its rigorous training sessions under the guidance of the assistant coaches and support staff, all eyes will be on the players to make the most of the Canberra game. The match against the Prime Minister's XI will test the players' adaptability to conditions and offer insights into potential line-ups for the forthcoming Test series.

The upcoming series against Australia promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the longest format of the game. With Gambhir's return on the horizon, the Indian team aims to put forth a formidable performance in the Adelaide Test, seeking to establish an early advantage in the series.