Asian Games gold reflection of team’s champion mindset: Shreyas Iyer
India's cricket captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's resilience after winning the gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan. Despite significant weather disruptions and limited practice, the team maintained a champion mindset to defeat Pakistan in the final.
Why it matters
This victory highlights the performance of the Indian cricket team on the international stage and their ability to overcome logistical challenges.
India skipper Shreyas Iyer on Saturday (October 3, 2026) said his team not complaining despite a disrupted build-up to the Asian Games was a sign of a “champion team" and laid the foundation for its gold medal in the continental event.
India's preparations were heavily impacted by rain with the team getting its first proper training session ahead of the semifinal against Sri Lanka on October 1. The team arrived in Japan on September 20, played five over game a side on September 22 in Sano before travelling to Nagoya. The Asian Games quarterfinal against Afghanistan on September 28 was a washout.
Iyer said the squad chose to adapt rather than make excuses before going on to beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the final on Saturday (October 3, 2026).
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