The Indian cricket team had a night away from training and match planning on Sunday as head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted the players and support staff for a special dinner at his residence in Delhi. With the T20 World Cup 2026 moving to the national capital for the defending champions, Gambhir took the opportunity to have a moment to have a team bonding session at his residence. India prepare for their next group match against Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Watch: Players at Gambhir’s residence
Videos shared by ANI showed Gambhir arriving at his home before members of the Indian team and support staff followed. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was seen entering the residence, along with BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla. Gambhir’s primary residence, a multi-crore, four-storey property in Old Rajinder Nagar, provided the setting for the evening.
India look to regroup after USA win
This is not the first time Gambhir has hosted the Indian team in Delhi. During India’s previous visit to the city for the Test series against the West Indies, the former India opener had invited the squad over in a similar gesture. The idea has been to create a relaxed environment and allow players to spend time together away from cricket.
India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a 29-run win over the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match, however, was far from straightforward. India suffered a top-order collapse and were reduced to 77 for six before captain Suryakumar Yadav played a knock for a lifetime (unbeaten knock of 84 off 49 balls). His innings helped India reach 161 for nine.
With the ball, Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact after coming into the side due to Jasprit Bumrah’s illness. Siraj picked up three wickets and put the USA chase on the back foot early. India bowled superbly as a unit as the USA’s inexperience came to the fore and got the hosts two crucial points.
