New Delhi, Aug 23 : Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, believed that India should not be too worried over their coach Rahul Dravid testing positive for Covid-19 prior to their departure to UAE in advance of Asia Cup, saying that he will be back with the team before the match between Pakistan and India on 28 August.On Tuesday afternoon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared that Dravid was positive for Covid-19.
This puts his participation in the Asia Cup, scheduled to begin in the UAE on August 27th, in doubt.
The BCCI stated that Dravid is under the care of the BCCI Medical team and has mild symptoms.
It also stated that he will be joining the Indian team when he returns with an unremarkable COVID-19 test.
“I do not believe it’s going to make much of any difference.
Today, don’t label it Covid-19 It’s simply flu.In three to four days it will be a breeze and he will be back in the field,” said Shastri in an interview with reporters from Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Asia Cup 2022.
Shastri shared his personal experience of being positive for Covid-19 in the fourth Test match between England and India at The Oval.In the aftermath of his positive test for Covid-19 Bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, and physiotherapist Nitin Patel were placed in the isolation area as a security measure.
“When I was covid last year I could have walked to the dressing room in six days.And I’m sure If I had gone to the dressing room in 7 to 7 days you could be able to have (India) played the Test match at Old Trafford and won it.”
“Don’t discuss Covid, Covid now.It’s just an illness.It’s over.He should take a couple of paracetamols and he will be fine and back before the India-Pakistan match,” said the former India all-rounder.
India will begin their Asia Cup Group A campaign against Pakistan on August 28.They they will then play their second game against an opponent in the Qualifier on the 31st of August.The Asia Cup, to be held in Dubai and Sharjah and is scheduled to close on the 11th of September.
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