Chip Off Old Block: Rahul Dravid’s Son Makes India U-19 Cut; What’s His Playing Role?

Mumbai: Samit Dravid took the first step towards emulating father Rahul Dravid after being selected in the India Under-19 squad for the multi-format series against the visiting Australian colts.

This is the 18-year-old Samit’s maiden call-up to the national team at any level, and he would be hoping to grab his chances and fulfil the dream of playing for senior Indian team in near future, like his father did in a glittering international career spanning nearly 16 years.

The teams will play three one-day (50-over) games in Puducherry on September 21, 23 and 26, followed by two four-day matches in Chennai from September 30 and October 7.

Uttar Pradesh’s Mohammad Amaan will lead the one-day side, while Soham Patwardhan of Madhya Pradesh has been named captain for the four-day games.

Dravid junior features in both sides.

The elder of two brothers, Samit is a pace-bowling allrounder and played a key role in Karnataka’s maiden Cooch Behar Trophy triumph during the last domestic season.

He aggregated 362 runs in 8 matches, including 98 against Jammu & Kashmir, and also bagged 16 wickets including 2 in the final against Mumbai.

Samit is currently playing his first senior men’s tournament — for Mysore Warriors in the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy in Bengaluru.