In a strategic move, VVS Laxman will lead India's white-ball team during the Zimbabwe tour and Asian Games, while Gautam Gambhir steps back after the England series. Anticipated to assist Laxman are Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Sunil Joshi.

India, July 6 -- The BCCI Men's Selection Committee has announced a refreshed 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming three-match T20I tour of Zimbabwe later this July. Star batter Shreyas Iyer has been handed the captaincy reins for this tour,

New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman, along with batting coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and bowling coach Sunil Joshi, will form India’s support staff for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Ajinkya Rahane voiced surprise regarding Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Zimbabwe T20I squad. He hoped selectors had communicated this decision directly to the player. Samson's absence follows his significant contributions during the recent T20 World Cup campaign.

India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.

India's busy international scheduling will see VVS Laxman take on the coaching duties for a couple of assignments, as Gautam Gambhir will prepare for the West Indies white-ball series later in September.