VVS Laxman has been named the interim head coach for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 as Rahul Dravid has failed to recover after testing Covid positive. In a press release, BCCI informed that Laxman has been given the charge and Dravid will take over only after his test results come out negative.
“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,” BCCI said in a press release.
“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,” the release 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,” it said.
This is not the first time Laxman has been given the charge. Earlier, he was named head coach for Ireland-bound Indian side which was captained by Hardik Pandya where the team clean swept the hosts 2-0 in a two match T20I series. Moreover, he then stayed with the team as the Test side took on England in the lone Test match under the coaching of Rahul Dravid. Laxman left England after the first T20I which India won under a new captain in Rohit Sharma.