The news that Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for COVID-19 just before the team left for the Asia Cup 2022 was a major setback. On Sunday, August 28, in Dubai, India will face its bitter rival Pakistan in the opening match of the Asia Cup 2022. Dravid might not be in the Indian locker room, though, if a COVID-19 test results in a positive result before the match.
Ravi Shastri comments on Dravid’s situation
Ravi Shastri, Dravid’s predecessor as head coach, stated that Team India won’t be significantly impacted by the new development. In reality, Shastri continued by characterizing COVID-19 sickness as nothing more than the flu.
Dravid’s positive COVID-19 test should be a huge concern for the squad, Shastri stated during a Star Sports interview with Wasim Akram on Tuesday, August 23. He also said that COVID is only the flu and he (Dravid) need to take some Medicine and rejoin the group before the Pakistan game.
The former Indian all-rounder continued by saying that had he been permitted to enter the dressing room after six days, Team India would have defeated England in the fifth Test in Manchester last year. He wished COVID had been handled similarly to the flu last year. Last year, he claimed, he could have returned to the locker room in six days and they would have defeated England in the fifth Test and the series.
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India and England’s fifth Test was postponed last year after Shastri and other support staff members tested positive. The Ben Stokes-led England squad won the fifth Test, which was held last month after being postponed.
Conclusion
In a routine test conducted prior to the team’s departure to the UAE for the Asia Cup 2022, Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid tested positive for COVID-19. Dravid is being watched up by the BCCI medical staff and just has minor symptoms. Once he returns with a negative COVID-19 report, he will join the team.
Who will be joining the players in the UAE is the greatest issue that every fan wants an answer to given the uncertainty surrounding Dravid’s health situation. The BCCI reportedly hasn’t decided who would replace Dravid, so bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has been given the responsibility in the interim. The decision-makers want to hold off until the next week in the hopes that Dravid would be better by then.
Fans are demanding that the board name a replacement. Some people are urging that VVS Laxman, who played the part during the Zimbabwe trip, be given the opportunity. However, some supporters believed that it was the right moment to reinstate former head coach Ravi Shastri.
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