VVS Laxman Hails India’s ‘Champion Mindset’ After Asian Games Gold

India head coach VVS Laxman praised his team's resilience and "champion's mindset" after returning home from the Asian Games, where the team successfully defended its men's cricket gold medal with a victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final.

India secured the title at Karogi Athletic Park in Nisshin, Aichi-Nagoya, overcoming the pressure of a high-profile final to retain the gold medal it had won at the previous Asian Games.

Laxman said defending the continental title made the achievement particularly special for the players and support staff.

"Defending the gold is also a very special moment for all of us," Laxman told reporters after returning to India.

The former India batter was pleased with the team's overall performance and said the players consistently delivered when it mattered most.

"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," he said.

Laxman also highlighted the depth of talent available in Indian cricket, saying the squad's work ethic and winning mentality played a crucial role in its success.

"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 particularly praised the team's ability to remain composed despite difficult playing conditions during the tournament. According to Laxman, handling pressure effectively was one of the defining features of India's campaign.

"It was great to see them play, even though they were challenged by the weather or the conditions, but 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.

The triumph also underlined India's growing strength in men's cricket, with the squad combining established performers and emerging talent to deliver on the continental stage.

For Laxman, however, the significance of the victory went beyond the gold medal itself. Successfully defending the title while dealing with challenging conditions, intense expectations and a high-pressure final, he said, reflected the mentality required to consistently compete at the highest level.