VVS Laxman to coach India for Zimbabwe tour and Asian Games; Shreyas Iyer named Captain

MUMBAI: Former India batter VVS Laxman will serve as head coach of the Indian team for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the Asian Games, according to multiple media reports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly split coaching responsibilities due to overlapping international assignments.

The move comes as India's home white-ball series against the West Indies coincides with preparations for the Asian Games. Senior team head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to remain with the main squad for the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies, beginning September 27, while Laxman will oversee the younger Indian side for both the Zimbabwe tour and the continental event.

Laxman, who heads the BCCI Centre of Excellence, has previously stepped in as India's head coach during the absence of the regular coaching staff. Most notably, he guided a young Indian side to a 4-1 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe in 2024.
Following India's tour of England, the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe will be played in Harare on July 23, 25 and 26. The cricket competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Aichi, Japan, from September 24 to October 3.

The BCCI has named Shreyas Iyer captain of the squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series. Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was not included in the squad. While the BCCI did not provide an official reason for his omission, media reports suggested the selectors opted to back Prabhsimran Singh following his impressive performances in recent Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons.

The squad also includes Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Harsh Dubey, while fast bowler Mayank Yadav returns to the national setup after a lengthy injury layoff.