Rahul Dravid tests positive for Covid-19, will not join Indian team for Asia Cup; Paras Mhambrey becomes head coach

MUMBAI: Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid has tested positive for Covid-19. So he would not accompany the team travelling to Dubai for Asia Cup. Dravid has mild symptoms and is in isolation under the observation of BCCI medical team.

Assistant coach Paras Mhambrey will step-in as the head coach. There is also a possibility that National Cricket Academy director VVS Laxman will join the team as head coach. Laxman was the coach of the Indian team which won the ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harara. Dravid tested positive for Covid-19 in the test generally conducted before the match. The Asia Cup starts on 27th. India's first match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28.

Meanwhile, BCCI sources have confirmed that Dravid has only mild symptoms of Covid-19 and poses no other health problems. The BCCI informed that Paras Mhambrey has been given temporary charge and Dravid is expected to join the team before the Asia Cup ends.