The Indian cricket team reached Dubai on August 24 to take part in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, starting on August 27 in the UAE. India will open its campaign against Pakistan on August 28.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and others took flight for Dubai on Wednesday morning (August 24), while the rest of the squad, who were part of the recently-concluded three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe, stayed back in Dubai on their return from Harare.
As India head coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for COVID-19 and didn’t travel with the team to Dubai, the NCA head VVS Laxman also stayed back with the team in Dubai on their return from Harare.
Laxman performed coach’s duties on the Zimbabwe tour, and has has joined the Indian team as interim head coach for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. As per a BCCI release, Dravid’s situation is still being monitored and Laxman will be in charge till the regular head coach resumes duties.
The BCCI statement stated: “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.
Mr Laxman, who travelled 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. Mr Dravid will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI Medical Team.
Mr Laxman has linked up with the squad in Dubai along with vice-captain Mr KL Rahul, Mr Deepak Hooda and Mr Avesh Khan, who travelled from Harare.”
The Asia Cup 2022, will be played in the UAE from August 27 to September 11, with India taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match on August 28.
Earlier, BCCI stated in its media release that “Mr. 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.”
