VVS Laxman to Coach India at Asian Games 2026, Replacing Gautam Gambhir

Former India cricketer and BCCI Centre of Excellence Director VVS Laxman will take charge as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He will step in for regular head coach Gautam Gambhir for the tournament. The appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as it announced the Indian contingent for the Games.

The 768-member Indian contingent comprises 503 athletes (269 male and 234 female), 246 team officials and support staff, and 19 contingent staff members. The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, while the men’s cricket competition is scheduled from September 24 to October 3.

Laxman will be assisted by former India cricketers Sunil Joshi, Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Subhadeep Ghosh. He is no stranger to the Asian Games setup, having guided India to the men’s Gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Gambhir will remain with the senior Indian team as India prepares for the three-match home ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27.