Asia Cup 2022: Indian head coach Rahul Dravid tests covid positive: In a massive blow to team India ahead of the upcoming fifteenth edition of the Asia Cup, head coach Rahul Dravid has tested covid-positive in a routine test, confirmed a BCCI release on Tuesday (23rd August). Owing to the infection, Dravid will delay his travel to the UAE by a few days.
As per the statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rahul Dravid has mild symptoms and the medical team is monitoring him.
“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,” a BCCI release said. “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. The rest of the team will assemble in UAE on 23rd August, 2022.”
The coaching head will undergo another round of covid-19 testing in two days’ time. For the time being, bowling coach, Paras Mahambrey will cover Dravid’s duties.
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Notably, there is a mild chance that VVS Laxman might have to step in as the head coach of team India if Rahul Dravid fails to recover on time for the Asia Cup 2022. The call for the same will be taken in the next two days as Dravid takes the test.
“We haven’t taken a call on whether VVS will be going to Dubai from Harare or not. A call will be taken accordingly and if required, he will join. Till then Paras Mahambrey will be in-charge. All other members are fit and left for UAE early in the day,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma-led India will play its opening game in the Asia Cup 2022 on August 28 against Pakistan in the Dubai International Stadium.
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