Head coach Rahul Dravid has recovered from COVID-19 and is expected to join the squad India Ahead of their opening match of the Asia Cup 2022 against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Dravid tested positive on 23 August in a routine test conducted before the team went to the United Arab Emirates.
The legendary India batsman did not travel with the team as BCCI appointed VVS Laxman as India’s interim coach.
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However, according to a report in the Indian Express, Dravid tested COVID-19 negative on Saturday. A BCCI official told the Indian Express, “Rahul’s test result has come negative and he is fit to fly.”
Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah issued a statement in which he said that the Indian head coach had mild symptoms.
“Team India head coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for COVID-19 in a routine test conducted before the team’s departure to UAE for the Asia Cup 2022.
“Dravid is under the supervision of the BCCI medical team and has mild symptoms. He will join the team once he returns with a negative COVID-19 report,” Shah said in a release.
Laxman, who was also India’s head coach for the Zimbabwe tour, added vice-captains KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Avesh Khan with the team in Dubai, who traveled from Harare.
“VVS Laxman, Head of Cricket, NCA will be the Interim Head Coach for Team India (Senior Men) for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup 2022 to be played in UAE,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said in a release.
“Laxman, who traveled with the Indian team playing the ODI series in Zimbabwe, will oversee the team’s preparations in the absence of Rahul Dravid, who tested positive for COVID-19 before the team went to the UAE. He will join the team after Dravid tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI medical team.
Meanwhile, India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday as both the teams look to make a positive start to their Asia Cup campaign. India emerged victorious in the 2018 Asia Cup as they defeated Pakistan twice during that edition. While Babar Azam & Co are over confident as they crushed India in their last encounter during the 2021 T20 World Cup Group Stage.
Both Laxman and Dravid are expected to be present in the dugout for the crucial match between India and Pakistan on Sunday.
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