“Getting gold in Asian Games is matter of great pride”: VVS Laxman
India defends their Asian Games gold medal by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling T20 final in Japan. Read VVS Laxman's reaction to the victory.
India has successfully defended its dominance in continental cricket, clinching the gold medal in the men’s T20 tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. In a high-octane final held on Saturday, the Indian men's team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs, securing a historic victory that has brought immense joy to the nation.
Laxman Praises Team's Champion Mindset
Speaking to reporters following the triumph, India head coach VVS Laxman expressed his immense satisfaction with the squad's performance. He noted that winning gold at the Asian Games is a prestigious achievement that reflects the hard work of the players.
"Very pleased with the way the team played; getting a gold in the Asian Games is a matter of great pride. And I think everyone played to their potential; defending the gold is also a very special moment for all of us," Laxman said.
Laxman highlighted the mental fortitude of his players, particularly how they managed to stay calm when the match reached its most critical junctures. He attributed the success to a "champion's mindset" and the ability of the athletes to adapt to challenging weather and playing conditions in Japan.
A Blistering Batting Display and Tight Bowling
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, beginning with a massive Indian total. Batting first, India posted a formidable 211/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was headlined by a sensational knock from Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 61 runs off just 28 deliveries, including seven towering sixes. Tilak Varma provided crucial stability and aggression, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls, while Shivam Dube added a rapid 27 off 14 balls to propel the score forward.
Pakistan's chase was equally intense. Led by a brilliant 96 off 51 balls from Hasan Nawaz, Pakistan kept the pressure on the Indian side. However, the Indian bowling unit showed remarkable composure in the death overs. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube were the stars of the bowling attack, each claiming two vital wickets to restrict Pakistan to 192/6.
Double Gold Glory for India
This victory marks a momentous occasion for Indian cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, as the women's team also defeated Pakistan in their respective gold medal match. This "double gold" achievement underscores India's growing strength across both formats of the game.
Upon his return to Hyderabad, Tilak Varma shared the team's excitement, noting the difficulties of adjusting to foreign environments. "Problems are bound to arise when playing cricket in a different country—the pitches, conditions, and weather are all different... but everyone adapted well and brought home the gold," he remarked.
National Pride and Global Standards
Bowling coach Sunil Joshi also weighed in, celebrating the overall success of the Indian contingent across various sporting disciplines. He noted that India's strong standing in the overall medal tally is a testament to the excellence of all Indian athletes.
Addressing the technical aspects of the game, Joshi also touched upon the impact of world-class talent, mentioning that the presence of players like Jasprit Bumrah remains a vital asset for the Indian team's global standing.