AHMEDABAD, Nov 18: India opener Gautam Gambhir flew back to Delhi before commencement of the fourth day’s play in the first Test against England on Sunday following the death of his grandmother.

Confirming the development, media manager Vinod Deshpande said that the opener took a flight to Delhi on Sunday morning after hearing the news of his grandmother’s death.

“I don’t know when he will be back. It probably will depend on what happens in the match," Deshpande said.

Gambhir, who is expected to join the team in Ahmedabad for the final day’s play, was bereaved when he lost his 71-year-old maternal grandmother Asha Gulati after she suffered cardiac arrest on Saturday night.

Since he did not field, Gambhir, even if he returns and India have to bat, will not be able to open the innings as he has not been on the field during England’s second innings.

According to new ICC regulations, the batsmen are permitted to stay off the field and straight away bat if they are injured on the field of play.—Agencies