MUMBAI: India head coach Rahul Dravid has taken charge of the team in the United Arab Emirates for the Asia Cup campaign after recovering from COVID-19, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said on Sunday.

India batting great Dravid tested positive on Tuesday before the team’s departure to the UAE for the six-team Twenty20 tournament.

The BCCI had named VVS Laxman, who heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, as assistant coach in Dravid’s absence.

Dravid “has tested negative for COVID-19 and has joined the team in Dubai” while Laxman has returned to Bengaluru, the BCCI said in a statement.

India cricket coach Dravid has Covid ahead of Asia Cup

India will open their Asia Cup title defence on Sunday with their first match against arch-rivals Pakistan.