India Set To Have New Head Coach For Zimbabwe Tour, Asian Games As Gambhir Steps Aside

The BCCI is believed to have decided to divide coaching responsibilities due to India's busy international schedule, with VVS Laxman reportedly taking charge of the team for the tour to Zimbabwe and the Asian Games in 2026 while Gautam Gambhir remains with the senior squad for the home series against the West Indies.

 

According to a report in the Times of India, the plan has been chalked out as two major assignments coincide with each other on the calendar. Currently, India are in England on a five-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series, and after that they are scheduled to visit Zimbabwe before playing in the Asian Games in Japan.

 

The Asian Games are slated to be held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, while at the same time the Indian team will commence their home white-ball series against the West Indies on September 27, making it difficult for a single coaching contingent to look after both teams.

 

VVS Laxman Set to Lead Coaching Staff

 

Hence, the BCCI is set to assign separate coaching duties to Gambhir and Laxman. Laxman Set to Take Charge as Head Coach of Team India. Laxman, the head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, has previously coached the Indian team on tours when the main coaches were not available. It is reported that Laxman will once again be at the helm as the head coach for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and will continue as head coach for the Asian Games.

 

India's former spinner Sunil Joshi

will be his bowling coach, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, a former India batter, will serve as batting coach for the Zimbabwe tour, and the same set of coaches will also be with the team during the Asian Games.

 

Also Read | Why India Dropped Sanju Samson After T20 World Cup Glory: Selection Call Decoded

 

Confirming the development, Gaurav Gupta of the Times of India posted the following on X: