India head coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for Covid-19 just days ahead of Asia Cup 2022, as per news agency PTI. Dravid did not travel with the team India for the recently concluded Zimbabwe tour of the three-match ODI series. Due to the busy international schedule, the coaching staff, including Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, were rested by the senior selection committee for the Zimbabwe tour, which the KL Rahul-led side won 3-0, ahead of the marquee tournament.
In the case of Dravid testing Covid positive means he will not travel and be part of the Indian team for Asia Cup 2022, being held in UAE, immediately.
"Rahul Dravid has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation. We are still hopeful that he will recover soon and might join the team in due course," a senior BCCI official told PTI on the conditions of anonymity.
VVS Laxman, the caretaker head coach on the Zimbabwe tour, could be asked to continue his duties. Assistant coach Paras Mhambrey will be the current in charge of the Indian team. A final call on whether NCA head VVS Laxman will join the team in Dubai will be taken later on Tuesday.
"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 Mhambrey will be in-charge. All other members are fit and left for UAE early in the day," BCCI sources told PTI.
As of now, BCCI has not made any official announcement of the head coach being tested positive for coronavirus.
While the majority of the members of the team left from Mumbai on Tuesday morning, vice-captain KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and reserve player Axar Patel will travel from Harare, having finished their Zimbabwe assignment.
India is scheduled to open their campaign in the Asia Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28.
(With PTI Inputs)