Gautam Gambhir returns to India midway through County stint with Essex

Gautam Gambhir with Essex team mate Monty Panesar

According to ESPNCricinfo, prolific Indian opening batsmen Gautam Gambhir, who is currently a part of English county side Essex, has returned home to India after what have been termed as “family reasons”.

Gambhir last played for India in January in the ODI series against England. His last Test too was against the English in December last year. In this year’s IPL, he was the highest scorer for Kolkata Knight Riders with 406 runs in 16 matches.

A statement released by his county side Essex read as follows:

“Gautam Gambhir returned to his native India on Sunday for family reasons. At this stage Essex Cricket and Gautam are unable to make any further comment.

“Essex Cricket is fully supportive of Gautam and very much hope that he will return to Essex before the end of the 2013 English domestic season.”