Asia Cup 2022: VVS Laxman named interim head coach Indian cricket team

Digital Desk: NCA chief VVS Laxman was named interim head coach of the Indian cricket team on Wednesday, for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup 2022. Laxman was part of the Indian team's tour to Zimbabwe. He will take over for Rahul Dravid, who is no longer with the team.

Dravid has been placed in isolation. He tested positive on Tuesday, before the team's departure to the UAE, and will join them once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI medical team. India's Asia Cup campaign will kick off on August 28 against arch-rivals Pakistan.

According to the BCCI, "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."

When Dravid failed to board the Indian team's flight to the UAE on Tuesday, reports that he suffered from Covid started to circulate. 

Later, the BCCI acknowledged the reports that the head coach of India had received a positive result during a regular test and was exhibiting moderate symptoms. Dravid will join the unit after he has returned a negative result, as indicated in the release.

India will begin their campaign against arch-rival Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai, one day after the Asia Cup begins. Virat Kohli will also make a comeback to the competition after taking a hiatus from the sport following India's tour of England. 

India's team includes KL Rahul, who recently made a full recovery from an injury and participated in the tour of Zimbabwe.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's top bowler, will not be participating in the competition due to a sore back, but Rohit Sharma will return to lead the team in that capacity. In his place, a young seam attack will be led by seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with Avesh and Arshdeep Singh serving as the other two pace options.