Former Indian batting great VVS Laxman has been officially named the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The appointment was confirmed following the release of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ approved roster of coaches and support staff.
Gambhir will remain in India to oversee the senior national squad for the upcoming three-match home One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies, which starts on September 27 and conflicts directly with the 2026 Asian Games. He previously served as head coach during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, leading the Indian men’s team to a historic gold-medal finish. Laxman’s backroom staff for the Asia Cup 2026 campaign features experienced former internationals and seasoned domestic coaches: With Gambhir managing key senior members for the ICC bilateral calendar back home, India’s Asian Games squad blends frontline white-ball stars with youth: Captaincy: Shreyas Iyer leads the side, with Tilak Varma named as vice-captain.
The decision means regular head coach Gautam Gambhir will not travel to Japan with the Asian Games contingent. VVS Laxman, who currently heads cricket operations at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is no stranger to stepping in for major assignments. Key Inclusions: Pacer Jasprit Bumrah and teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi feature in the squad.
