VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE), is likely to coach the Indian team for the three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe and then the 2028 Asian Games in Japan.

Due to India's extensive international schedule, coaching duties will once more need to be divided. Laxman will lead the Men in Blue in Zimbabwe and Japan, while head coach Gautam Gambhir will stay with the senior team because the Asian Games coincide with the first leg of India's home series against the West Indies.

During the tour of Zimbabwe, Laxman will receive assistance from a familiar support staff. The bowling coach will be former Indian spinner Sunil Joshi, and the batting coach will be former Indian batter Hrishikesh Kanitkar.  

It is anticipated that the same coaching staff will remain for the Asian Games campaign. The arrangement is not brand-new. The BCCI has relied on the CoE to maintain consistency if India's hectic schedule has resulted in overlapping tasks.

Apart from Laxman, there have been many occasions previously when heads of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), have stepped in to coach the Indian team when India’s crowded schedule has thrown up overlapping assignments.

India will play three T20Is in Zimbabwe, with Harare hosting all the matches, from July 23 to 28. On the other hand, the cricket events at the 2026 Asian Games will be played from 17 September to 3 October 2026. All the matches will be played at the Kōrogi Sports Park for both the men's and women's team events.

India is the gold medal winner in both men’s and women's events in the 2023 Asian Games in China.

(Sportstar inputs)