Concussed Gambhir to return home

In a major setback for India, Gautam Gambhir has not yet recovered from his concussion and will return home. "He went to an eye specialist today and it seems he continues to suffer from concussion," Shivlal Yadav, the Indian team manager, said.

At Tuesday's media conference, MS Dhoni admitted that Gambhir's loss would be a big one. "He has done really well for us not only as an opening batsman but he has also batted at No. 3 when Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar have opened," he said. "He is one opener who also plays spin very well. It will be a big loss."

Gambhir hit his head on the ground while falling back attempting to catch Kevin Pietersen on the third day of the final Test at The Oval during England's first innings. He immediately left the field and was dropped down the batting order in both innings, but was clearly struggling with the injury and failed to make an impact, scoring 10 and 3 runs as India lost by an innings and eight runs. Gambhir's recovery took a further hit when a Stuart Broad bouncer on the final day hit him flush on the back of the helmet.

Doubts persisted over his availability for the solitary Twenty20 and one-day series but Gambhir travelled with the squad for the three practice matches. He, however, did not play in any of the three wins the Indians registered. On the eve of the T20 game against Leicester, Gambhir faced the fast bowlers in the nets and complained about failing to sight the ball clearly. Yadav had informed ESPNcricinfo that Gambhir would be visiting an eye specialist in Manchester.

According to Yadav, no replacement has been named yet and Dhoni would be speaking to the BCCI's top brass and the selectors on the subject.