A crucial administrative meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Thursday to finalize several key national cricket decisions. Ahead of this gathering, significant details have emerged regarding the leadership setup for the upcoming Asian Games. Both the men's and women's cricket contingents are set to represent the nation at the prestigious event later this month. Former international batter VVS Laxman, who currently heads the Center of Excellence, has been assigned the role of head coach for the men's team for this tournament.
Schedule Clash Prompts Dual Coaching Setup
The upcoming Asian Games feature both men's and women's cricket teams competing on the international stage. Under the tournament structure, India has secured direct entry into the quarter-final stage alongside other top Asian sides including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. While the fixture list confirms India's quarter-final berth, the specific opponent for their opening match is yet to be decided. The Asian Games schedule directly coincides with West Indies' tour of India, where the visiting team will play a bilateral series comprising One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. Due to this simultaneous scheduling of two major assignments, VVS Laxman has been called upon to take charge of the Asian Games contingent. Laxman previously served in a similar capacity as head coach during India's tour of Zimbabwe.
Distinguished Support Staff Appointed for Contingent
VVS Laxman brings substantial coaching experience to the role, having periodically stepped in as head coach alongside his primary duties as the chief of the Center of Excellence. The Indian cricket delegation at the Asian Games will carry one of the largest support staff contingents, second only to athletics. To assist Laxman in managing team operations and tactical planning, a seasoned coaching support team has been assembled. Former international cricketers Sunil Joshi, Rishikesh Kanitkar, and Subhadeep Ghosh will join Laxman as part of the specialized coaching staff for the event.
Shreyas Iyer to Lead Squad Ahead of Afghanistan Series
The national selection committee has already announced the official squad for the Asian Games, designating middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer as the team captain. Prior to embarking on the Asian Games campaign, the Indian squad is scheduled to compete in a three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, for which the team roster has also been declared. Selectors and team management may consider minor adjustments to the Asian Games lineup depending on player fitness assessments following the Afghanistan series, though major alterations to the announced core squad remain unlikely.
