Laxman to Lead India: Zimbabwe Tour & Asian Games Coaching Update

VVS Laxman has been appointed head coach for India’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the 2026 Asian Games, as the BCCI manages a congested international calendar.

MUMBAI — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially divided coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the 2026 season to accommodate overlapping tournament schedules. VVS Laxman, the head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), will step in as head coach for India's upcoming T20I series in Zimbabwe and the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

This strategic move allows senior head coach Gautam Gambhir to remain with the main Indian squad for the home series against the West Indies, which coincides with the continental multi-sport event.

Continuity in Coaching Leadership

The BCCI's decision ensures that both the senior team and the touring squads receive dedicated support. Laxman, who has successfully led second-string Indian teams in the past, will be accompanied by a familiar support staff. Former Indian spinner Sunil Joshi will serve as the bowling coach, while former batter Hrishikesh Kanitkar will take on the role of batting coach for both the Zimbabwe tour and the Asian Games.

This arrangement is part of the BCCI’s ongoing strategy to provide rest periods for the senior coaching staff following intense assignments, such as the recently concluded white-ball series in England.

Tournament Schedules and Overlaps

The coordination of these assignments is critical due to the proximity of the matches. India is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Harare from July 23 to July 28, 2026. Shortly thereafter, focus shifts to the 2026 Asian Games, where cricket events are slated to run from September 24 to October 3 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Because the Asian Games overlap with the beginning of the home ODI and T20I series against the West Indies—which commences on September 27—the BCCI opted to separate the coaching units to ensure optimal oversight for all concurrent engagements.

Why It Matters

For Indian cricket, this delegation of duties reflects the complexities of managing a world-class team across multiple formats and regions simultaneously. By utilizing the expertise at the Centre of Excellence, the BCCI maintains a pipeline of experienced coaches capable of stepping into high-pressure roles, ensuring that younger talent continues to receive top-tier guidance during developmental tours.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Head Coach (Zimbabwe/Asian Games): VVS Laxman.

• Support Staff: Sunil Joshi (Bowling Coach) and Hrishikesh Kanitkar (Batting Coach).

• Zimbabwe Tour Dates: July 23–28, 2026 (Harare).

• Asian Games Dates: September 24–October 3, 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya).

• Senior Team Focus: Gautam Gambhir will lead the main squad for the West Indies series starting September 27.

FAQ

Why is Gautam Gambhir not coaching the Zimbabwe tour and Asian Games? Gambhir will remain with the senior team to prepare for the high-profile home series against the West Indies, which overlaps with the Asian Games schedule.

Has VVS Laxman coached the Indian team before? Yes, Laxman has previously led India on several occasions, including the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou (where the team won gold) and various bilateral tours, maintaining an unbeaten record in series he has overseen.

Who will captain the team for the Zimbabwe tour? Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Source: Yardbarker, Rediff.com, Kerala Kaumudi