Rahul Dravid's positive Covid-19 test, which came out just days before India's debut match in the Asia Cup T20 event in the UAE, dealt the team a serious setback.
Dravid was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru on Tuesday, while the other players have already departed for Dubai. However, now that he has tested positive, the Board's logistics division is working to make sure that VVS Laxman, who led the ODI side to victory in Zimbabwe, can go to the United Arab Emirates as soon as possible.
Dravid skipped the just finished three-match One-day International series against Zimbabwe, which KL Rahul's team won 3-0. The senior selection committee decided to rest the coaching staff, which included Dravid, batting coach Vikram Rathour, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, because to the hectic international schedule.
Since Laxman has been routinely practising with the current group of players and is aware of Dravid's objectives, his presence could benefit the Indian team before the major competition. "It's a problem that's evolving. We are making the required preparations, and once everything is set, an official update will be released "insider of the Board remarked.
On August 28, India and Pakistan will face off in the Asia Cup opener. India hopes to revenge their 10-wicket loss to Babar Azam's team at the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE last year.
According to a report on indiatoday.in, it's unclear whether Dravid will go to the UAE after receiving the all-clear from the Indian Cricket Board medical personnel or whether he'll join the team for the important opening game.
However, Dravid's status as a Covid-positive player has not yet been certified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).