BCCI fulfills Laxman's key demand before Asian Games [Source: AFP]September is set to be all about T20I cricket for India as the Men in Blue will take on Afghanistan in a three-match series, starting September 13, followed by the all-important Asian Games 2026. Gautam Gambhir will take charge for the Afghanistan series, but the BCCI has appointed a new coach for Asia's biggest tournament.With the Asian Games colliding with India’s home series against the West Indies, VVS Laxman, the head of CoE, has been appointed the coach for the Asian Games. Interestingly, right after becoming the coach, he put forward a demand, which was reportedly fulfilled by the BCCI.Three net bowlers set to be added in India's Asian Games squadAccording to journalist Kushan Sarkar, Laxman had asked for three net bowlers for the upcoming Asian Games, and reportedly, the board has decided to fulfill the demand.Three promising pacers: Mayank Yadav, Kartik Tyagi, and Mohsin Khan have been picked by the BCCI, and the board is trying to arrange the visas for the Indian pace trio. They will remain with the squad till the start of the tournament and will travel at the BCCI’s cost.The trio has done well in the T20 format, and Laxman wants the Indian batters to get used to the playing conditions by facing the best in the nets.Why BCCI picked Mayank, Mohsin, and Kartik as net bowlers for Asian Games?For starters, all three of them: Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Kartik Tyagi have done well in the game’s shortest format. Mayank was impressive in the recently concluded Zimbabwe T20I games, having picked up 5 wickets in two games, but at an express pace.On the other hand, both Kartik Tyagi and Mohsin Khan were outstanding in the IPL. Kartik represented KKR and led from the front. He scalped 18 wickets in 14 games and was the leader of the KKR pace attack in Harshit Rana’s absence.Also Read: BCCI Rules Out VVS Laxman's Appointment, Ajit Agarkar Kept HangingMohsin had an injury-hit IPL campaign for LSG, but the left-arm seamer still managed to pick up 11 wickets in seven games, including a fifer.Their selection also indicates that the BCCI is planning to groom the trio in the T20 format, as India certainly needs quality pacers in T20s.BCCI appointed head coach for Asian Games, but not given Director of Cricket positionLaxman was BCCI’s first-choice for the head coach’s position as Gambhir couldn’t be with the team due to the home series against the West Indies.There were reports that the former Indian cricketer could be given an even bigger responsibility, with the position of Director of Cricket. However, the board on Thursday clearly stated that no discussion has been held regarding the same.On one hand, the board is backing Laxman to lead the Indian team in the Asian Games, and on the other hand, there have been reservations regarding appointing him as Director of Cricket. One possible reason could be to ensure that his relations with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar remain firm. Moreover, another reason could be that Laxman himself admitted that he is happy working in the CoE and doesn’t want to take up a full-time role with the BCCI.Also Read: Mohammed Shami Records That Will Be Impossible To Break By An Indian Bowler
