Coach Dravid recovers from COVID19, joins team India

Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has fully recovered from COVID19 and has joined the team ahead of India’s opening clash in the Asia Cup.

India will take on their arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament. BCCI has issued an official statement regarding Rahul Dravid’s health on Sunday.

Dravid recovers from COVID19

According to the update, Rahul Dravid has joined the Indian team whereas VVS Laxman, who travelled with the team during his absence, has returned to Bengaluru.

“Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid has tested negative for COVID-19 and has joined the team in Dubai. Interim coach, Mr VVS Laxman who was present with the team in Mr. Dravid’s absence, has returned to Bengaluru to oversee the India A programme.”

Dravid had tested positive a few days ago and was in home isolation in Bengaluru. Since his symptoms were minor, he was in an isolation in place rather than a hospital. The official BCCI statement revealed that Dravid would join the team once he recovers from COVID19. The current NCA head VVS Laxman was appointed as the interim coach until Dravid joined the team.

Dravid’s symptoms were mild and it is learnt that his test report came negative on August 27. India begin their Asia Cup campaign on August 28 with a game against arch-rivals Pakistan.

In a statement earlier, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, noted, “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. 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 the UAE on 23rd August, 2022.”

Ravi Shastri, former India coach, had said India don’t have to worry about their coach Rahul Dravid testing Covid positive, and that he “will be back in the park soon.”

“In three-four days, it will be fine, and he will be back in the park.” The BCCI had already stated that Dravid’s case was mild and that he has been asked to undergo another test.

This was not VVS Laxman’s first stint as interim coach. He was appointed as the coach for India’s tour to Zimbabwe and West Indies. He was assisted by former leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar.