Samit Dravid Likely Out for Youth Test Series

Samit Dravid, son of former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, is unlikely to participate in the upcoming India Under-19 four-day matches against Australia due to a knee injury that has sidelined him since the youth one-day series, which India won 3-0. Currently recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Samit is facing a critical moment as he will turn 19 on October 11, 2024, rendering him ineligible for the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar expressed uncertainty about Samit's recovery, stating that they are awaiting further examination reports. The second four-day match is scheduled for October 7, giving Samit a final chance to recover in time. Despite this setback, the NCA emphasizes the importance of development beyond just World Cup eligibility, focusing on the overall growth of young players. The four-day series represents a significant opportunity for the under-19 team to gain experience in red-ball cricket against international competition.