The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to appoint former India batter VVS Laxman as head coach, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026. The move comes as the BCCI prepares to field two separate squads during a busy international schedule in September this year.
The men's cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to be played in the T20 format from September 17 to October 3 at Karogi Athletic Park in Japan. The tournament will overlap with another major international assignment for India, forcing the BCCI to manage two separate squads during a busy period.
According to a report by Amar Ujala, VVS Laxman is set to take charge of India's squad for the Asian Games 2026, replacing Gautam Gambhir. The former Indian batter has reportedly been chosen to coach the defending champions during the tournament in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan.
The report added that Gautam Gambhir will continue with the senior Indian team and will not be part of the Asian Games setup. He is expected to focus on India's white-ball home series against the West Indies, which is scheduled during the same period.
Laxman currently serves as the head of cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The former batter has often stepped in as head coach for India during tours and series when the senior coaching staff has been engaged with other international assignments.
Gautam Gambhir To Stay With Senior Team During West Indies Series
The selection committee has reportedly decided that Gautam Gambhir will remain with the senior Indian team instead of traveling to Japan for the Asian Games. The management wants the coaching staff to continue working closely with the first-choice players ahead of a busy international schedule.
India are set to host the West Indies for a three-match ODI series starting on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. The teams will then play a five-match T20I series, with the final match scheduled for October 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With the West Indies series overlapping with the Asian Games, the BCCI will need to field two separate squads during the same period. This arrangement will allow India to compete in both assignments without affecting their international commitments.
India Will Enter Asian Games 2026 As Defending Champions
India will enter the Asian Games 2026 as the defending champions and will look to retain the gold medal they won at the previous edition. As per the tournament format, the top four seeded teams will receive direct entry into the quarterfinals.
Ruturaj Gaikwad captained India to the gold medal at the last Asian Games. India were awarded the title after the final against Afghanistan was washed out due to rain, with the team finishing ahead on the basis of seeding.
Ahead of the tournament in Japan, India's probable Asian Games players are expected to take part in three U-20 matches starting on July 23. The team management has also planned two T20 matches in Oman during August as part of its preparations before finalizing the squad.
Also read: Mumbai Indians shut down Hardik Pandya exit rumours
Hence then, the article about gautam gambhir replaced as india head coach for asian games 2026 bcci picks new man was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Gautam Gambhir replaced as India head coach for Asian Games 2026; BCCI picks new man )
Also on site :
- Airwallex Challenges Legacy Software With New Billing Solution .. PYMNTS.com
- ‘The Birds’ Limited Series Starring Sarah Snook Hits TV Marketplace; New Take On Hitchcock’s Classic Comes From Tom Spezialy, David Heyman & UIS
- Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization' fund