Team India Launches Asian Games 2026 Gold Defence in Japan with Intensive Indoor Training Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Indian men's cricket squad has started rigorous indoor preparations in Japan as they aim to defend their Asian Games title from September 28. 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. What this means for you This tournament provides cricket enthusiasts an immediate opportunity to follow high-stakes continental matches featuring premier Indian players. • For Sports Fans: The Indian men's matches commence on September 28. Supporters can track the campaign through regular broadcast networks and online streaming services. • For Emerging Cricketers: Youngsters like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Vipraj Nigam gain a massive platform to display their temperament. A strong showing here could accelerate their pathway into broader national squad selections. • For India's Medal Tally: Following the women's gold medal triumph, another top-podium finish by the men's team would substantially enhance India's ranking at the games. • For Leadership Assessment: The tournament serves as a key evaluation of Shreyas Iyer's international captaincy credential. Success in Japan could cement his standing as a long-term tactical leader in multi-nation events. Why this happened A strategic combination of local climate management and the ambition to retain continental supremacy drove Team India's rigorous preparation schedule in Japan. • Weather Adaptation: The reliance on indoor nets ensured uninterrupted tactical preparation regardless of local outdoor conditions. This approach enabled batters and bowlers to maintain peak rhythm prior to game day. • Unfinished Business from Hangzhou: In the previous Asian Games, rain disrupted the final against Afghanistan, forcing officials to award gold on seeding merit. The squad aims to decisively reaffirm its status as the best team on the field this time. • Benchmark Set by Women's Team: Following the Indian women's dominant 147-run victory in their gold medal final against Sri Lanka, the national board fielded a high-calibre men's side to ensure equal continental dominance. Questions & Answers 1. Who is captaining the Indian men's cricket team at the Asian Games 2026? Shreyas Iyer is leading the Indian men's squad, with Tilak Varma appointed as vice-captain. 2. When does the Indian men's cricket team play its first match? While the men's event began on September 24, Team India plays its first fixture on September 28. 3. How did India win the men's cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games? The final against Afghanistan was washed out by rain in Hangzhou, resulting in India being awarded the gold medal due to higher tournament seeding. 4. Which team won the women's cricket gold medal at the Asian Games 2026? The Indian women's cricket team clinched gold after defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final. 5. Who supervised Team India's indoor practice sessions in Japan? Head coach VVS Laxman was present throughout the training camp to supervise the players. https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/japana-men-gold-medal-bachane-utari-indian-men-s-cricket-team-kare-abhyasa-ke-satha-mission-2026-ki-shuruata-38059 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.