VVS Laxman hails India's 'mental toughness' after Asian Games gold
Coach VVS Laxman praises Team India's mental toughness and intent after securing back-to-back Asian Games cricket gold medals.
Following a historic double gold performance in cricket at the Asian Games, stand-in coach VVS Laxman expressed immense pride in his squad's ability to overcome adverse conditions to secure the championship.
The Indian men's team clinched the gold medal by defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in a high-stakes final on Saturday. This victory follows the success of the women's team, marking a monumental achievement for Indian cricket on the continental stage.
Overcoming rain and limited facilities
The journey to the podium was far from smooth. Laxman revealed that the team faced significant logistical hurdles, including persistent rain and restricted access to training grounds.
"It was quite challenging since the time we came to Japan," Laxman told the media. "Rain followed us in Tokyo... and then to the venue here. We hardly had any practice sessions, hardly had any preparation, and we also know that the practice facilities here—however limited they were—were there, but because of the weather, we were not able to access the ground."
Despite these setbacks, the coach lauded the players for their professional mindset. He noted that the squad remained "switched on," making the most of indoor sessions in hotels and limited training spaces to ensure they were ready for the intensity of international competition.
Batting intent and holding nerves
In the final against Pakistan, India set a formidable target of 211 runs. While many expected the pitch to be difficult for batting, the Indian lineup displayed remarkable aggression from the very first over.
Laxman highlighted the tactical maturity shown by the batters: "Everyone expected that it was going to be a tough wicket, but it was great to see our batters adjusting to the conditions, assessing the conditions, and right from the first over... they showed a lot of intent."
The match became a tense affair when Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz played a brilliant innings, scoring 96 runs off just 51 balls. However, Laxman praised the Indian bowlers and the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer for maintaining composure under pressure.
Key highlights of the victory:
- Heroic Performances: Crucial contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, and Axar Patel.
- Total Score: India posted a massive 211 runs in the T20 clash.
- Defensive Grit: Bowlers delivered crucial spells to halt Pakistan's momentum during the tight finish.
Eyes set on the Olympics
With the Asian Games gold secured, the focus for the Indian contingent begins to shift toward the prestige of the Olympic Games. Laxman believes this victory will serve as a massive psychological boost for the athletes.
"Playing in the Olympics or participating in the Olympics itself is a matter of great honour for any athlete," Laxman remarked. "We've got an abundance of talent, and there is no doubt that whichever team and whichever group of players go there, they'll make everyone of us proud."