The BCCI confirmed VVS Laxman’s appointment as the interim head coach of Team India for Asia Cup 2022. Even before the BCCI confirmed the news, a report had suggested that Laxman had travelled to UAE from Zimbabwe. And in the evening, the BCCI released an official statement, thus confirming the same.
He will be spearheading the coaching staff in the absence of Rahul Dravid. The former India captain couldn’t fly to Dubai due to a positive COVID-19 test. Since the other members of Dravid’s coaching staff are in UAE, Laxman doesn’t have his staff there. He will be working with Dravid’s staff for the first time.
Dravid isn’t completely ruled out of the tournament and the BCCI has confirmed that he will join the team. In its release, the apex board wrote that Dravid will join the team once he tests negative and is cleared by the BCCI medical team.
But the board’s release doesn’t mention if Laxman will return after Dravid’s arrival there or not. The fans have to wait for Dravid’s arrival in UAE and a clear picture regarding Laxman’s involvement during the tournament will be out soon.
Should he stay there after Dravid’s arrival, it will be the first time when the batting icons will work together as members of the backroom staff.
Laxman, who took over as NCA’s chief in 2021, has only coached Team India in Dravid’s absence. He made his debut during the UK tour and recently coached the side against Zimbabwe.
The former India middle-order batsman looks a strong contender to take over the job whenever the position is vacant. Like Laxman, Dravid also started as NCA’s chief and took over as head coach after the end of Ravi Shastri’s stint.
Asia Cup 2022 will be played from August 27 to September 11. Defending Champions India will kick off their campaign against Pakistan on Sunday (August 28).
