Rahul Dravid Tests Positive for Covid-19; Will Join India's Asia Cup 2022 Squad At Later Stage

India head coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for Covid-19 just days ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 and is under the supervision of the BCCI Medical team and has mild symptoms.

In a press release, BCCI stated, “Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for COVID-19 in a routine test conducted ahead of the team’s departure to the UAE for Asia Cup 2022.

Mr. Dravid is under the supervision of the BCCI Medical team and has mild symptoms. He will join the team once he returns with a negative COVID-19 report.

The rest of the team will assemble in UAE on 23rd August, 2022," the release added.

Dravid had not travelled with the Indian ODI team for the Zimbabwe tour and VVS Laxman had taken over the coaching duties. India beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in the three-match ODI series.

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Dravid, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, had been given rest and all three were supposed to link up with India’s Asia Cup squad in Dubai.

“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.

It is understood that for the time being, assistant coach Paras Mhambrey will be in charge of the team but a 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," he also confirmed.

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 are to open their campaign on August 28 with the high-octane clash against Pakistan. The teams have started to assemble in Dubai for the T20 event.