The decision reflects the BCCI's move towards split coaching as the international schedule becomes increasingly congested. The Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, overlapping with India's white-ball series against the West Indies, which begins on September 27.
Gambhir will therefore supervise the senior squad, while Laxman takes responsibility for the Asian Games contingent.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to captain India as they seek to retain the gold medal secured at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Laxman was also at the helm for that campaign, when cricket returned to the multi-sport event.
His coaching unit will feature former India internationals Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Sunil Joshi, with Kanitkar working on the batting and Joshi overseeing the bowling. The trio have previously collaborated while handling India's second-string teams.
Laxman has also stepped in as interim head coach on several occasions and recently oversaw a 3-0 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe, further demonstrating his ability to manage younger players.
However, the BCCI could yet revise its plans. The board is reportedly dissatisfied with accommodation arrangements provided by the Asian Cricket Council, with images of cramped rooms and restricted space causing concern. As a result, India could opt to send a second-string squad rather than its strongest available team.
India captain Shubman Gill believes his side can take plenty of positives from their 1-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka, despite disappointment at missing out on a clean sweep after the hosts fought back to draw in Colombo.
India remained firmly in control of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Day 3, leaving the hosts battling to avoid the follow-on.
Dhruv Jurel struck the second Test century of his career as India strengthened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Devdutt Padikkal continued his outstanding start to the Test series with a second successive century as India reached 300-5 at stumps on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
