VVS Laxman returns to coach India men’s cricket team at Asian Games 2026

VVS Laxman, a former Indian batter and present Director of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, will take charge as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which will be held from September 19 to October 4. This decision was made by the Indian sports ministry and announced on Thursday.

As the Indian men’s cricket team prepares for the Asian Games, expectations are high. Laxman’s leadership will be vital in steering the team through rigorous competition while ensuring player morale and fitness. With the coaching team ready to implement strategies that leverage the players’ strengths, the Indian contingent aims for a commendable showing in Japan.

The preparation phase will focus on both technical skills and team-building exercises to create a cohesive unit. With the Asian Games fast approaching, the Indian cricket team is working diligently to align its objectives and preparations to achieve success on this prestigious platform.

The men’s cricket tournament, featuring 10 teams, will take place from September 24 to October 3. Cricket will feature at the Asian Games for the fourth time. India, who did not participate in the first two editions that featured the sport, enter the tournament as defending champions.

Laxman has a great rapport with players and was able to galvanise the team in Zimbabwe

Regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will not travel to Japan with India for the Asian Games, as he will remain with the ODI team for a three-match series at home against the West Indies, beginning September 27.

Former players Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh will also be part of the support staff for the Asian Games.

Additionally, Maroof Fajandar has been appointed as the team leader, further ensuring a structured approach to team dynamics and logistics during the tournament. The collective efforts of the coaching staff aim to cultivate a positive environment for players and maximise their potential.

The inclusion of seasoned professionals in the coaching setup is expected to provide a blend of tactical acumen and motivational leadership, which is crucial in a high-stakes tournament like the Asian Games. The coaching staff’s experience will be instrumental in guiding the players through the challenges they may face.

VVS Laxman and Shreyas Iyer. Pics: X

The Indian women’s cricket team coaching setup for the Asian Games comprises regulars Amol Muzumdar and Aavishkar Salvi among others.

Shreyas Iyer has been named India’s T20 captain with Tilak Varma as his deputy. Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest player to make his debut for the Indian men’s team, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah have also been named in the 15-member squad.

Hyderabad’s legendary bat Laxman had guided India to a gold medal at the Asian Games at Hangzhou 2023, held in the People’s Republic of China. He has also served as India’s head coach for several bilateral T20I series against Australia, South Africa and Ireland, including the series against Zimbabwe earlier this year.

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the seeded teams and will begin their campaigns directly in the quarterfinals. India will play their first match at the Asian Games 2026 on September 28 (Monday) in the second quarterfinal.

Afghanistan, Japan and Nepal are in Group A, while Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Oman make up Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.