Laxman to fill in for Dravid

VVS Laxman will stand in as the head coach of the Indian national team in the Asia Cup until Rahul Dravid recovers from Covid-19.

Dravid, the regular head coach of the men in blue, tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday, meaning he could not travel with the squad, who have already reached UAE.

Laxman, who is currently the head of India’s National Cricket Academy, served as the head coach of the national team in their recent Zimbabwe tour, which they won 3-0. He had also appointed the head coach for their Ireland tour earlier this year.

Dravid, on the other hand, will join the side as soon as he tests negative for Covid-19. A BCCI release on Wednesday said he ‘will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the medical team’.

India will start their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on August 28.