For the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022, which will begin on August 27 in the UAE, the Indian cricket squad arrived in Dubai on August 24. On Wednesday morning (August 24), the Indian team’s captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and others took a flight for Dubai, while the rest of the team, who participated in the recently finished three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe, remained in Dubai upon their return from Harare.
As India head coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for COVID-19 and didn’t travel with the team to Dubai, the NCA head VVS Laxman also stayed back with the team in Dubai on their return from Harare.
Laxman served as a coach during the recently concluded Zimbabwean tour. He joined the Indian squad as the team’s interim head coach for the Asia Cup. According to a BCCI statement, Dravid’s condition is still being watched, and Laxman will be in charge until the regular head coach resumes his responsibilities.
BCCI releases statement:
“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. 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. The latter 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. 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.”
Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Top players to watch out for the upcoming edition
Laxman’s performance as Team India’s Coach
VVS Laxman made his coaching debut against Ireland this year with Hardik Pandya leading the side. Ireland did give India a run for their money but their effort didn’t prove to be enough. Ireland lost the series 2-0. It was a great start for Laxman’s coaching career though. With Dravid being busy with Asia Cup preparations, Laxman was again given the baton to coach Team India in the Zimbabwe ODI series. This was the first time when he worked with the national squad in the 50-over format. Absolutely dominating the hosts, KL Rahul led team clean sweeped the series 3-0. With Shubman Gill awarded the Man of the Series. With Team India winning every match under him, Laxman has an astonishing 100% success rate and will be the best to fill in Rahul Dravid’s shoes.
The Asia Cup 2022, will be played in the UAE from August 27 to September 11, with India taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match on August 28.
