BCCI names VVS Laxman coach for Zimbabwe and Asian Games

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed VVS Laxman as head coach for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the men’s cricket campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The decision splits coaching duties due to a scheduling conflict, with regular head coach Gautam Gambhir remaining in charge of the senior side for a concurrent home series against the West Indies.

Laxman, who heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, will be assisted by a familiar support staff. Former India spinner Sunil Joshi will serve as bowling coach and former batter Hrishikesh Kanitkar as batting coach for the Zimbabwe tour, with the same group expected to continue for the Asian Games. This arrangement leverages the BCCI’s existing system for managing overlapping international commitments.

The Indian team will travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series scheduled from July 23 to 26 at the Harare Sports Club. The squad, led by captain Shreyas Iyer with Tilak Varma as vice-captain, features several younger players as part of the team’s ongoing white-ball transition. Opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi retains his place after a recent debut, while notable absences include wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who...