Injured Samit Dravid likely to miss youth Tests against Australia Under-19

Samit Dravid, the son of former Indian skipper and head coach Rahul Dravid, is likely to miss the four-day games against Australia Under-19 at Chepauk. 

Notably, his knee injury also sidelined him from the 50-over games that were played in Puducherry. According to coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, he is almost sure to miss the two red-ball matches as he’s at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), recovering from his injury. 

Samit, 18, will also be unable to feature in the next Under-19 World Cup in 2026. As per ICC regulations, players featuring in the tournament should be 19 as of August 31, 2025, but Samit is turning 19 on October 11 itself, and won’t meet the eligibility criteria for the tournament. 

Recently, he participated in the Maharaja Trophy for the Mysore Warriors, and played a crucial role in Karnataka’s Cooch Behar Trophy victory. 

Speaking on the eve of the game, the NCA head VVS Laxman said that he’s looking to give exposure to his under-19 players and not just prepare them for the next World Cup. 

“Now we are playing a series against Australia Under-19 and luckily a lot of the guys who may miss out on the next World Cup are part of this series,” Laxman said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. 

“So overall the exposure is there and they also are not only restricted or constrained only for the World Cup. We want them to evolve as cricketers and just because someone played India Under-19 or someone didn't play India Under-19 doesn't mean that they won't progress in their career but if they play at the highest level, understand the pressures of a World Cup I think that will enhance their mental strength and also progress as cricketers.”

Coach Kanitkar also stressed the crucial role of red-ball cricket for age group players and its importance for their development. 

“I think it's a great initiative to play Test games because red-ball [cricket] really tests you," Kanitkar said.

"There's enough time for the bowlers to plan and [make] strategies. So, for both batters and bowlers and even fielders it's the ideal challenge to see where you stand. I think to be able to play against a foreign side is a great thing. I know a lot of people, including myself who played Under-19 cricket against foreign teams and it really helped us a lot. So, I think it's going to be magnificent for the players.”

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