Team India head coach Rahul Dravid tests COVID-19 positive, unlikely to travel for Asia Cup 2022

Team India head coach Rahul Dravid, who was given a break from the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, has tested COVID-19 positive, according to reports. Dravid is now unlikely to travel with the Indian cricket team for the Asia Cup 2022 which begins with India's clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (August 28).

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. It remains to be seen if Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will ask VVS Laxman to continue in his role as the head coach for the Asia Cup 2022 as well.

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.

The teams have started to assemble in the Dubai for the T20 event with Babar Azam's Pakistan team arriving from the Netherlands on Tuesday (August 23).

It's not clear whether Dravid will join the team for the crucial opening game or will fly to the UAE once he gets the all-clear from the Indian cricket board medical staff, said the report. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, hasn't yet confirmed Dravid's COVID-19-positive status.

Team India will be led by Rohit Sharma, who will be back in charge after missing the Zimbabwe ODI series which India won 3-0 on Monday (August 22). India will miss the services of pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, who are both ruled out with injuries.

The Asia Cup 2022 will also see the return of former captain Virat Kohli, who missed both the West Indies and Zimbabwe series.