Gautam Gambhir to Rest Post-England Series; VVS Laxman to Coach India in Zimbabwe and Asian Games 2026: Report
VVS Laxman has been appointed head coach for India's three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe (July 23-26, 2026, Harare) and the Asian Games 2026 cricket competition (September 24-October 3, 2026, Japan). Current head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to be rested after the England tour due to a packed schedule, overseeing the senior team's home series against.
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy's Centre of Excellence (CoE), to lead the Indian men's cricket team as head coach for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against Zimbabwe and the Asian Games 2026. This strategic move aims to manage the extensive workload of the national team's coaching staff, with regular head coach Gautam Gambhir expected to take a well-deserved break after India's white-ball tour of England concludes on July 19. India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Provides 'Clarity' on Sanju Samson's Omission From IND vs ENG T20I 2026 Series (Watch Video).
As reported by TOI, Gambhir, who recently guided India to triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, will remain with the senior squad for the home white-ball series against the West Indies, which significantly overlaps with the Asian Games schedule. This decision reflects the BCCI's ongoing approach to handling India's packed international calendar, often utilising CoE staff for concurrent or second-string assignments.
India's Tour of Zimbabwe 2026
The Indian contingent, under VVS Laxman's guidance, will travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series. Laxman will be supported by Hrishikesh Kanitkar as batting coach and Sunil Joshi as bowling coach.
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) | Start Time (CAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 23, 2026 | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 4:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | July 25, 2026 | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 4:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | July 26, 2026 | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 4:30 PM | 1:00 PM |
Asian Games 2026 Cricket Tournament
Following the Zimbabwe tour, Laxman and his support staff will lead the Indian men's team at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India are the reigning gold medalists in both men's and women's cricket from the 2023 Asian Games. Happy Birthday Sourav Ganguly! Celebrating 'Dada's' Cricket Legacy As Former India Legend Turns 54.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Overall Cricket Events | September 17 - October 3, 2026 |
| Men's T20I Tournament | September 24 - October 3, 2026 |
| Men's Medal Matches | October 3, 2026 |
Venue: Kōrogi Sports Park, Aichi Prefecture, Nisshin, Japan
Expected Match Timings (Men's Knockout Stage and Medal Matches):
- Morning Matches: 9:00 AM JST (5:30 AM IST)
- Afternoon Matches: 2:00 PM JST (10:30 AM IST)
Gautam Gambhir's Recent Stint and Future
Gautam Gambhir, aged 44, took over as India's head coach in July 2024 and has since enjoyed significant success. However, the senior team has faced recent challenges, currently trailing 0-2 in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England. This temporary coaching split allows Gambhir and his primary support staff to manage their schedules effectively and strategise for upcoming major assignments.
The BCCI's decision underscores the increasing demands of international cricket and the necessity for flexible coaching arrangements to ensure player and staff well-being, while maintaining India's competitive edge across all formats and tournaments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2026 10:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).