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Former India batter VVS Laxman is set to take charge as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team during the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Laxman will temporarily step into the role as regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will not travel with the Asian Games squad. The appointment has been confirmed through the coaching and support staff list approved for India’s contingent.
The Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, with the men’s cricket competition scheduled from September 24 to October 3. India will enter the tournament aiming to win another gold medal after claiming the men’s cricket title at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Why Gautam Gambhir Will Miss the Asian Games
Gautam Gambhir’s absence is primarily due to a clash between the Asian Games schedule and India’s international commitments.
During the same period, India’s senior side is scheduled to play a home ODI series against the West Indies. The ODI series runs from September 27 to October 3, overlapping directly with the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games.
As a result, the BCCI has effectively divided its resources between the two assignments. Gambhir will remain with the senior ODI setup, while Laxman will travel to Japan with the Asian Games squad.
Laxman Brings Previous Asian Games Experience
This will not be the first time Laxman has taken charge of an Indian team at the Asian Games.
He also served as head coach of India’s men’s cricket team during the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in Hangzhou in 2023 after being postponed. Under his guidance, India won the gold medal in the men’s T20 cricket competition.
His previous experience with a similar squad structure makes Laxman a natural choice for the assignment. He currently serves as the Director of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence and has worked extensively with emerging Indian players.
Shreyas Iyer Expected to Lead the Team
The Indian men’s team at the Asian Games will be led by Shreyas Iyer.
The squad is expected to feature several players outside the regular senior setup, giving emerging and fringe cricketers an opportunity to perform on a major international stage.
India’s selection reflects the need to manage player workloads while simultaneously preparing for the country’s other international commitments.
For several young players, the tournament could become an important opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in front of the national selectors.
Strong Coaching Staff Alongside Laxman
Laxman will be supported by an experienced coaching team during the Asian Games campaign.
Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh are part of the men’s coaching setup travelling to Japan. The combination brings experience in batting, bowling, fielding and player development.
The coaching structure is designed to provide stability to a relatively different Indian squad while allowing the players to adapt quickly to tournament conditions.
India Enter as Defending Champions
India will enter the Asian Games with high expectations after winning the men’s cricket gold medal at the previous edition.
In Hangzhou, the Indian men’s team defeated Afghanistan in the final to claim the gold medal, with the tournament providing an opportunity for several young players to experience international cricket.
India will now attempt to repeat that success in Japan.
The tournament will also provide valuable experience to players who could potentially become part of India’s senior white-ball setup in the future.
Direct Entry Into Quarter-Finals
India have been placed among the teams receiving direct entry into the quarter-final stage of the men’s cricket competition.
The men’s tournament will feature 10 teams, with India among the sides expected to begin their campaign from the knockout phase. This means the Indian team will have less margin for error once its campaign begins, as every match will carry significant importance.
India’s first match is scheduled for September 28, with the team set to face Afghanistan, Nepal or Japan depending on the tournament’s progression.
Opportunity for Emerging Players
The Asian Games assignment could prove particularly important for India’s younger cricketers.
With many established stars likely to remain involved with the senior international setup, the tournament gives emerging players a chance to showcase their skills in a major multi-sport event.
Players who perform consistently could strengthen their claims for future international opportunities, particularly in T20 cricket.
For Laxman, the challenge will be to quickly build a cohesive team and ensure that players from different domestic and franchise backgrounds adapt to the demands of international competition.
Women’s Team Will Have Separate Coaching Setup
India’s women’s cricket team will also participate in the Asian Games, but its coaching structure will be different.
Amol Muzumdar will continue as the head coach of the women’s side, assisted by Avishkar Salvi and Munish Bali. Unlike the men’s team, the women’s squad is expected to travel with its regular coaching staff.
India will therefore have separate coaching arrangements for its men’s and women’s cricket teams during the tournament.
Laxman’s Leadership Could Be Crucial
Laxman’s calm approach and experience working with younger players could prove valuable during the tournament.
His previous success at the Asian Games gives him familiarity with the unique pressures of a multi-sport event. He will also have to manage a squad that may contain players with limited experience of playing together at the international level.
The ability to quickly establish roles, combinations and tactical plans could determine how far India progresses.
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What Happens Next
The Indian men’s cricket team will travel to Japan later this month as preparations begin for the Asian Games campaign.
With Gautam Gambhir occupied with the senior ODI series against the West Indies, VVS Laxman will take responsibility for guiding the Asian Games side. His previous gold-medal success in Hangzhou adds further expectations to the assignment.
India will begin its campaign on September 28 and will be aiming to defend its Asian Games cricket title. For Laxman and a new generation of Indian players, the tournament represents an opportunity to win another gold medal while building valuable experience for the future of Indian cricket.
