India’s coach for the Zimbabwe series, VVS Laxman has flown to United Arab Emirates to take over the coaching duties in the absence of Rahul Dravid.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Rahul Dravid was forced to pull out of the trip after testing Covid-19 positive
- Laxman handles the National Cricket Academy full time
- The BCCI are monitoring Rahul Dravid through his recovery process
National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman has been named India’s interim head coach in the absence of Rahul Dravid, who has been ruled out of the tour due to Covid-19.
Laxman coached India in the Zimbabwe tour where the Indian team clean swept the hosts 3-0, courtesy to a fantastic performance from the Indian bowling unit and Shubman Gill.
The Indian side for the Asia Cup will be bolstered by the presence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, as well as KL Rahul. However, two of India’s lead pacers – Jasprit Buram and Harshal Patel, will not be taking part owing to their respective injuries.
“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,” the BCCI release read.
“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,” it further added.
“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 BCCI release said.