With the cricket event officially getting underway at the Asian Games 2026, the Indian men's squad has ramped up its preparations in Japan with the singular focus of defending its continental crown. In a bid to mount a formidable challenge, the national squad underwent an intensive indoor net session. Practice footage shared by the BCCI showcased wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson alongside several teammates fine-tuning their batting and bowling skill sets under the watchful eyes of head coach VVS Laxman, who oversaw the entire workout.
Defending the Continental Crown
This Asian Games campaign holds tremendous significance for the Indian contingent as they enter the tournament as reigning champions. During the previous edition held in Hangzhou, India secured the men's gold medal under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The gold medal match pitted India against Afghanistan, but relentless rain prevented the game from reaching a full conclusion. Consequently, tournament officials declared India the champion based on superior tournament seeding rules.
Shreyas Iyer Takes Charge as Captain
For the 2026 campaign, the national selectors have entrusted the captaincy to experienced batter Shreyas Iyer. Iyer brings proven leadership credentials across formats and domestic circuits. He previously steered Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and captained Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, having also spent time leading Delhi Capitals. During the 2025 season, his leadership played an instrumental role in guiding Punjab Kings all the way to the IPL final. His primary target now is to replicate that success on the international stage and secure the gold medal for India.
A Dynamic Blend of Youth and Experience
The selected travelling squad features established international figures alongside exciting young talent. Tilak Varma serves as the team's vice-captain, supporting a powerhouse batting roster that includes explosive options such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Shivam Dube. The all-round balance is provided by Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, while premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah leads a potent pace attack featuring Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur. In addition to specialist wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, the selectors handed maiden high-profile opportunities to rising prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi and spinner Vipraj Nigam.
Following the Gold Medal Triumph of the Women's Team
The men's squad will draw motivation from the resounding success of the Indian women's cricket team, which concluded its campaign by securing the gold medal after an emphatic 147-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final. The women's competition commenced on September 18 and has concluded, whereas men's matches began on September 24. Team India is scheduled to step onto the field for its opening encounter on September 28.
Complete Indian Men's Squad for Asian Games 2026
- Leadership: Shreyas Iyer (Captain) and Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain).
- Batters and Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
- All-rounders: Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube.
- Spinners: Ravi Bishnoi and Vipraj Nigam.
- Fast Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Yash Thakur.
