India Coach VVS Laxman Set for Zimbabwe Tour

Split Coaching Model Returns

The BCCI will revert to a split coaching arrangement to handle India’s dense schedule. VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence, will lead the side on the white‑ball tour of Zimbabwe and later at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Meanwhile, regular head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to pause his duties after the England series.

The timing is tight: the final ODI against England is slated for July 19, leaving just a four‑day gap before the first T20I in Zimbabwe on July 23. This compact window forces the board to divide responsibilities and keep the team’s momentum intact. Laxman’s dual role covers both the Zimbabwe series and the Asian Games preparation.

New Coaching Duo Joins Laxman

Former India cricketers Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Sunil Joshi are likely to support Laxman as batting and bowling coaches respectively. The pair recently collaborated with India A during a successful Tri‑Series in Sri Lanka, where they helped shape the younger players’ technique and tactics. Their experience adds depth to the coaching staff for the upcoming tours.

With Kanitkar and Joshi on board, the focus will be on tightening India’s batting order and sharpening the bowling attack. The aim is to build a solid foundation before the Asian Games and the other high‑profile fixtures later in the year.

India’s Jam‑Packed Calendar

Beyond Zimbabwe, the national team faces a crowded summer: the Asian Games, a likely white‑ball series against Bangladesh, and a home series versus the West Indies all converge in a similar window. This clustering of series demands careful workload management and strategic rotations. The split model is designed to keep the coaching staff fresh while delivering consistent performance across multiple fronts.

Planning for the Asian Games includes preparation for the 2026 event in Japan, indicating long‑term development goals. The schedule also leaves little room for injury recovery, making the coaching stability crucial for the team’s success. India’s management aims to balance short‑term tour objectives with long‑term continental ambitions.