Samit Dravid, son of former Indian captain and current head coach Rahul Dravid, has been selected to represent India in the upcoming U-19 series against Australia. The series, which includes three one-day matches in Puducherry and two four-day games in Chennai, marks a significant milestone in Samit’s burgeoning cricket career. Mohammad Amaan from Uttar Pradesh will lead the Indian team in the one-day matches, while Soham Patwardhan from Madhya Pradesh will captain the squad in the longer format.
U19 World Cup for Samit Dravid?
Despite his selection for the India U-19 team, Samit Dravid will not be eligible to play in the upcoming ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. The reason is rooted in his age: born on November 10, 2005, Samit is currently just two months shy of his 19th birthday. By the time the 2026 World Cup squad is announced, he will be almost 21, making him ineligible for the tournament due to age restrictions.
This situation mirrors the early cricketing experience of his father, Rahul Dravid. Rahul, too, was selected for the Indian U-19 team that played against New Zealand in 1992 but missed out on the U-19 World Cup, as the ICC only organised the second edition of the tournament in 1998.
Recent Performances: Mixed Bag
Currently playing for the Mysore Warriors in the KSCA Maharaja T20 trophy in Bengaluru, Samit Dravid’s performances have been modest. In seven innings, he has scored 82 runs, with a top score of 33, and has yet to bowl in the tournament. However, his recent success in the Cooch Behar Trophy earlier this year has garnered attention.
Samit played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s first-ever title win, scoring 362 runs in eight matches and taking 16 wickets. His standout performance came against Jammu and Kashmir, where he scored 98 runs and contributed two crucial wickets in the final against Mumbai.
Looking ahead for Samit Dravid
While Samit’s absence from the U-19 World Cup may seem disappointing, his inclusion in the national U-19 team and his recent performances suggest a bright future. As he continues to develop his skills, the young Dravid has the potential to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps, making his mark in Indian cricket.
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