VVS Laxman Returns as India Head Coach for Zimbabwe ODI Series and Asian Games 2026

Former India batter VVS Laxman is set to return as Team India's head coach for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe and the cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026. The move comes just a day after the BCCI announced India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, which begins later this month. With Team India's packed international calendar creating overlapping assignments, the board has reportedly decided to split coaching responsibilities between Gautam Gambhir and the National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence) chief.

According to a report in the Times of India, Laxman will lead the coaching staff for both the Zimbabwe tour and the Asian Games in Japan. The arrangement has been made because the Asian Games will clash with India's home white-ball series against the West Indies. Hrishikesh Kanitkar has been tipped to serve as the batting coach, while former India spinner Sunil Joshi will take charge as the bowling coach. The report further adds that the trio could also continue with the coaching staff for India's subsequent white-ball series against Bangladesh.

VVS Laxman's Experience Makes Him the Perfect Choice

A BCCI source was quoted as saying, "With multiple Indian teams likely to be in action simultaneously, it was important to distribute responsibilities. VVS Laxman's experience with India A and emerging players makes him the ideal choice for these assignments." Laxman has previously guided India during several bilateral tours whenever the senior coaching staff was unavailable, making him a familiar face for many of the youngsters in the squad.

Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, will remain with the senior Indian team. Although he guided India to the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup crown in 2026, the team's recent T20I results have been disappointing. India suffered their first-ever T20I series defeat to Ireland after losing the two-match series 0-2, before England defeated them in the second T20I at Manchester after the opening match in Durham was washed out due to rain.

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The scheduling conflict is one of the primary reasons behind the BCCI's decision. India's three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe begins on July 23, only a few days after the conclusion of the ODI series against England. With Gambhir accompanying the senior squad on the England tour, Laxman will oversee the Zimbabwe assignment, ensuring the second-string Indian side receives experienced guidance without disrupting the senior team's preparations.

The Asian Games 2026 will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan, overlapping with the West Indies' tour of India, scheduled from September 27 to October 17. During that period, India will host the Caribbean side for three ODIs and five T20Is, making it impractical for Gambhir to oversee both squads. The BCCI's decision allows India to field separate coaching groups for simultaneous assignments while maintaining continuity across formats and ensuring young players continue to receive quality guidance.