Former India batter and Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman is set to take charge of the Indian men’s cricket team during the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Regular head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to remain with the ODI squad, allowing Laxman to oversee India’s campaign in Nagoya. India are set for a hectic international schedule following their recent Test series in Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will return to T20I cricket with a home series against Afghanistan, while the ODI team will also have important assignments lined up.
With the Asian Games taking place during a busy period, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to rely on a split-coaching arrangement. According to PTI, Gautam Gambhir will not travel to Japan for the Asian Games as he will be involved with India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27. VVS Laxman, who has previously taken charge of the senior team on several occasions, will therefore lead the coaching setup in Nagoya.
Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh are also expected to be part of Laxman’s coaching staff. Meanwhile, Maroof Fajandar from the BCCI’s Cricket Operations department will reportedly serve as the “Team Leader” of the support staff.
ALSO READ: Hampshire Withdraw Scott Kuggeleijn After Backlash Over Past Rape Charge
The Asian Games assignment could also strengthen Laxman’s position within Indian cricket. The former batter has previously served as an interim head coach and could be handed greater responsibilities by the BCCI in the future.
The @BCCI both men and women included have the 2nd biggest support staff contingent after Athletics and perhaps one more than shooting.
VVS Laxman will be assisted by Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh.
Maroof Fajandar from Cric Ops is designated “Team Leader”…— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) September 3, 2026
Shreyas Iyer will captain India at the Asian Games 2026, with Tilak Varma named as his deputy. Iyer, who has recently taken over as India’s T20I captain, will be aiming to lead the side to another gold medal after a challenging start to his captaincy tenure.
The men’s cricket competition will be held in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture from September 24 to October 3. India have received a direct entry into the quarterfinals and will play their last-eight match at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on September 28. India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh have secured direct quarterfinal berths, while the remaining six teams will compete in the group stage.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Was Angry Over Selectors’ Decision Amid ODI Retirement Speculation
India enter the tournament as the defending champions after winning gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Cricket has featured in three of the last four editions, with Bangladesh winning in 2010, Sri Lanka in 2014 and India in 2023. The Indian women’s team are also defending champions after their gold-medal triumph in Hangzhou. With strong squads expected for both competitions, India will aim to retain their titles in Japan.
