VVS Laxman has been chosen as India’s temporary head coach for the Asia Cup 2022 in the absence of Rahul Dravid. The latter has been tested positive for Covid-19. He is yet to join the Indian squad in the UAE, the BCCI stated on Wednesday.
Laxman, the NCA president, has previously served as interim head coach during India’s travels to Zimbabwe and Ireland. He has joined the rest of the Indian squad, which includes KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda, and Avesh Khan.
“Mr. VVS Laxman, Head Cricket, NCA will be the interim Head Coach for Team India (Senior Men) for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup 2022, to be played in the UAE. Laxman, who traveled with the Indian team that played the ODI series in Zimbabwe will oversee the team’s preparation in the absence of Mr. Rahul Dravid, who tested positive for Covid-19 before the team’s departure to the UAE. Dravid will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI Medical Team.” BCCI stated.
Dravid was said to have been influenced by Covid. He failed to go with the Indian squad to the UAE on Tuesday. The BCCI later announced that India’s head coach had a positive result during a routine test and was experiencing moderate symptoms. According to the press release, Dravid will join the unit once his test results are negative.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes Dravid’s recovery is simply a matter of time. In fact, Shastri believes Dravid will be ready for India’s Asia Cup 2022 opening against Pakistan on Sunday.
Comebacks in Asia Cup
The Asia Cup begins on August 27, and India will open their campaign against archrival Pakistan the following day in Dubai. The competition will also see the comeback of Virat Kohli, who had a hiatus from cricket following India’s tour of England. KL Rahul, who just returned from injury and was part of India’s Zimbabwe tour, has been included in the squad.
Rohit Sharma will return as captain. Although India’s best seamer Jasprit Bumrah will miss the competition due to a back spasm. In his absence, seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will spearhead a youthful seam attack that also includes Avesh and Arshdeep Singh.
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