The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced VVS Laxman as the interim coach for Team India post Rahul Dravid tested COVID positive. The development would help the Indian cricket contingent to continue its regular course of practices for Asia Cup 2022 in UAE.
The players have already begun practicing sessions with VVS Laxman sharing his strategies and game plans for the tournament throughout. In a statement issued by BCCI, it said, 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.
The statement issued by BCCI’s honorary secretary Jay Shah, also states that, Laxman, who travelled with the Indian team that played the ODI series in Zimbabwe will oversee the team’s preparation in the absence of Rahul Dravid.
“Dravid, who tested positive for COVID-19 before the team’s departure to the UAE, will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI Medical Team. Laxman has linked up with the squad in Dubai along with vice-captain KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Avesh Khan, who travelled from Harare,” Shah stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, BCCI informed that Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid was tested positive for COVID-19 in a routine test conducted ahead of the team’s departure to the UAE for Asia Cup 2022. He is under the supervision of the BCCI Medical team after he showed mild symptoms, the apex body stated.
The board also said that Dravid would join the team once he returns with a negative COVID-19 report. However, on Wednesday, the board decided for the appointment of interim coach reportedly to carry out the regular schedule of the team’s visit for Asia Cup 2022 in UAE.
The series would begin on August 27 with all six squads. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have reached UAE in order to begin their practice sessions. Meanwhile, Hong Kong after its win against UAE in the last qualifier match is expected reach UAE soon and begin its practice sessions.
