India head coach VVS Laxman lauded his team's composure and 'champion's mindset' on 5 October 2026 after the side returned to Bengaluru following a gold-medal triumph at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. India successfully defended their men's cricket title — beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final at the Karogi Athletic Park in Nisshin — making it a back-to-back continental gold for Indian cricket.

Laxman's Reaction: Pride and Relief

Speaking to reporters upon landing in India, Laxman described the achievement as uniquely meaningful given the pressure that comes with entering a tournament as defending champions. 'Defending the gold is also a very special moment for all of us,' the coach said. He added that the squad played collectively to their potential throughout the campaign. 'Getting a gold in the Asian Games is a matter of great pride. And I think everyone played to their potential,' he noted.

The Champion's Mindset That Made the Difference

Laxman pointed to the depth of talent and, more critically, the mental makeup of the squad as key factors behind the result. 'We are very lucky to have so many players who are so talented and hard-working and have a great work ethic, and also, most importantly, who have got a champion's mindset,' he said. The coach emphasised that the team's ability to hold its nerve under pressure — whether from weather, pitch conditions, or high-stakes moments — set this campaign apart.

Rising to the Challenge Under Difficult Conditions

Conditions at the Aichi-Nagoya venues reportedly posed challenges throughout the Games, with weather and unfamiliar surfaces testing the squad at key stages. Laxman credited the players for overcoming those obstacles when it mattered most. 'Even though they were challenged by the weather or the conditions, I think they stepped up. And especially when they were under pressure, I thought they held their nerve and got the desired result for the country,' he said.

India vs Pakistan Final — A Title Sealed Against the Sternest Test

Defeating Pakistan in the gold-medal match added a sharp edge to the triumph. India-Pakistan encounters at multi-sport events consistently attract the highest viewership across South Asia, and a final against Pakistan in cricket carries symbolic weight beyond the result itself. This successful defence of the Asian Games cricket title further cements India's status as the dominant force in Asian continental cricket. Notably, this is the second consecutive Asian Games gold for the Indian men's cricket team, underlining a period of sustained excellence on the continental stage.

What's Next for This Squad

With the Asian Games campaign concluded, attention will turn to how many of these players force their way into India's broader senior selection picture. Laxman's consistent praise for the squad's work ethic and mentality suggests the national coaching setup views this group as a credible pipeline for future senior duties. The gold-medal win is expected to provide a significant confidence boost heading into upcoming domestic and bilateral fixtures.