VVS Laxman was appointed as the interim head coach in Dravid's absence.
Indian team is set to be bolstered by the return of their head coach Rahul Dravid, who has recovered fully from COVID-19, as per a report. The former cricketer couldn't join the side on their flight to Dubai, having tested positive ahead of departure.
In his absence, NCA head VVS Laxman was named the interim head coach as he has recently been performing the duties whenever Dravid has been unavailable or rested by the BCCI amidst a hectic schedule for Team India.
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As per a report in The Indian Express, Dravid is set to join the team in Dubai ahead of their much-awaited clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (August 28). The same report claimed that Dravid tested negative for the coronavirus on Saturday.
“Rahul test results has come negative and he is fit to fly,” a BCCI official confirmed to The Indian Express. Dravid's symptoms were said to be mild and it was expected he would join the team soon.
In a earlier statement, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, said, “Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for COVID-19 in a routine test conducted ahead of the team’s departure to the UAE for 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. The rest of the team will assemble in the UAE on 23rd August, 2022.”
There is no official word from the board yet on Dravid's recovery or travel plans but his presence will undoubtedly provide India an edge in the high-pressure Pakistan clash.