Asia Cup 2023

India head coach Rahul Dravid tests positive for Covid-19, set to miss Asia Cup 2022

The Indian head coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, August 23 and reports suggest that the former Indian player could miss the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dravid’s absence could be a body blow for the side as he has been quite instrumental in maintaining a healthy environment within the team. With tight schedules and bio-bubbles being the new norm, the Indian head coach has been quite influential in keeping things calm within the squad. Being appointed the head coach last year, the Men in Blue have ushered under his regime.

The Indian team finished yet another series victory after winning the series finale against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday, 22nd August. They clean swept the hosts 3-0. Dravid had not travelled with the side to Zimbabwe and VVS Laxman was the coach in the series.

Laxman has done well in guiding a relatively inexperienced side to a series win in Zimbabwe. The former Indian batter was also in charge of the Indian team on their tour to Ireland this year. In Dravid’s absence, he is likely to fulfil the coach’s role in the all-important Asia Cup. The multi-nation tournament might be the first major assignment for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief.

India has already faced the setback of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, who will miss the Asai Cup due to their respective injuries. Dravid’s addition to this list would mean that the Men in Blue would lose on yet another influential personnel in the team. It is relief that KL Rahul has returned to match fitness after being on a prolonged injury layoff and then getting covid. Though the ace-opener has looked sluggish in the ODIs against Zimbabwe, he is likely to partner with skipper Rohit Sharma at the top.

The Rohit Sharma-led team has left for Dubai for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, which is due to begin on August 27. India will start their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai. India is the defending champions in the tournament and will need to put on a great show to protect their crown.