VVS Laxman joined India’s squad on Wednesday as the interim head coach for the Asia Cup, starting in the United Arab Emirates from August 27. Laxman has been appointed since Rahul Dravid, the head coach, could not board the flight to the Emirates on Tuesday after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
“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,” Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, wrote through a statement on Wednesday.
Sources from BCCI also report that Dravid would join the squad after he tests negative and is given a go ahead by the BCCI Medical Team.
India, who won the Asia Cup when it was last played in 2018, begin this year’s campaign against Pakistan on August 28. This tournament will present them with another opportunity to fine tune their combinations for the T20 World Cup in October.
Laxman, along with vice-captain K. L. Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Avesh Khan, arrived in Dubai from Harare on Wednesday ahead of the team’s first training session.