Samit Dravid, son of former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, has earned his spot in India’s Under-19 team, set to play against Australia in a domestic series. Samit’s selection is based on his standout performance in the Cooch Behar Trophy earlier this year, where he showcased his all-round skills. However, despite his recent success, Samit will not be eligible to participate in the Under-19 World Cup in 2026 due to age restrictions.
Samit Dravid’s Journey to the U-19 Team
Samit Dravid has been making headlines for his cricketing skills, following in the footsteps of his legendary father. Playing for Karnataka, he made a significant impact in the Cooch Behar Trophy, scoring 362 runs and taking 16 wickets in just eight matches. His impressive all-round performance caught the attention of selectors, earning him a spot in the Under-19 squad for the upcoming series against Australia.
Currently, Samit is also part of the Mysore Warriors in the Maharaja T20 Trophy, where he plays as a middle-order batsman. Although his performances in this tournament have been modest, with 82 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 114, his potential as a strong all-rounder remains undeniable.
Why Samit Can’t Play in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup
While Samit has earned his place in the current Under-19 squad, he will be ineligible for the 2026 World Cup due to age constraints. Born on November 10, 2005, Samit will turn 21 by the time the next Under-19 World Cup rolls around, making him too old to participate. The tournament’s age limit prevents any player older than 19 years from competing, effectively ruling out Samit’s chances of representing India in the prestigious event.
India U-19 Squad Announced for the Australia Series
The BCCI has announced the squads for the upcoming ODI and four-day matches between India and Australia’s Under-19 teams, scheduled to start on September 21. Samit Dravid has been included in both squads, highlighting his importance to the team.
Here are the squads:
ODI Squad: Rudra Patel, Sahil Parakh, Kartikey KP, Mohammad Aam Aadmi (captain), Kiran Chormale, Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh Pangalia (wicketkeeper), Samit Dravid, Yudhajit Guha, Samarth N, Nikhil Kumar, Chetan Sharma, Hardik Raj, Rohit Rajawat, Mohammad Enan.
Four-Day Series Squad: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitya Pandya, Vihan Malhotra, Soham Patwardhan (captain), Kartikey KP, Samit Dravid, Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh Pangalia (wicketkeeper), Chetan Sharma, Samarth N, Aditya Rawat, Nikhil Kumar, Anmoljit Singh, Aditya Singh, Mohammad Enan.
Controversy Surrounding Samit’s Selection
Samit’s inclusion in the U-19 squad has sparked a debate on social media, with some fans questioning his selection, pointing to his underwhelming performance in the Maharaja T20 Trophy. Critics accused the BCCI of favoritism, suggesting that Samit was selected due to his famous father. However, the selection committee clarified that his consistent performance in the Cooch Behar Trophy earlier this year played a crucial role in his selection.
Samit’s Response to His Selection
Following his selection, Samit Dravid expressed his gratitude and joy. He acknowledged the hard work and support from his well-wishers that helped him reach this point in his career. Samit is determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove his merit on the field.
Samit Dravid’s journey is a testament to his talent and dedication, and his inclusion in the Under-19 squad marks an important milestone in his budding cricket career. However, the age factor remains a barrier for his World Cup aspirations, highlighting the unique challenges young cricketers face as they navigate the early stages of their careers.
