Laxman named interim head coach for Asia Cup

In the absence of head coach Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman has joined Rohit Sharma and Co. in the UAE for the forthcoming Asia Cup as the interim head coach, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Wednesday (August 24). 

Dravid didn't travel with the team after testing positive for Covid on Tuesday. Laxman recently served as the coach for India in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe after Dravid was rested for the tour. 

"Laxman, who travelled with the Indian team that played the ODI series in Zimbabwe will oversee the team’s preparation in the absence of Rahul Dravid, who tested positive for COVID-19 before the team’s departure to the UAE. 

"Dravid will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI Medical Team. Laxman has linked up with the squad in Dubai along with vice-captain KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Avesh Khan, who travelled from Harare," the BCCI stated in a release.

However, batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who also didn't travel to Zimbabwe, have already reached Dubai and are fulfilling their duties.

The Men in Blue will commence their Asia Cup campaign against their arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai.