Why Samit Dravid won't play in World Cup despite India U-19 call-up?

Upcoming sensation of the Indian domestic circuit, Samit Dravid, the 18-year-old son of former Indian cricketer, Rahul Dravid, was recently named in the 15-member India U-19 squads for the imminent one-day and four-day series against Australia U-19 in September and October.

However, despite this wonderful breakthrough coming at just the right moment for the promising youngster, he will not be able to represent India at the top-most global tournament at the U-19 level. This is due to the fact of him overshooting the age barrier of 19 by the time the 16th edition of the Men's U-19 World Cup comes along in 2026.

A similar situation befell his father during his pre-glory days, when despite being selected for the U-19 series against the Kiwis in 1992, he could not feature in the tournament's second iteration in 1998. 

Samit, who rose to prominence due to his outings with Karnataka at the Cooch Behar Trophy where he amassed 362 runs and scalped 16 dismissals, is currently representing the Mysore Warriors in the ongoing Maharaja T20 Trophy.

Also Read: India U-19 squad for multi-format series against Australia announced, Samit Dravid included

His highest score in the tournament up until now is a stroke-filled 33 he registered against the Gulbarga Mystics in a losing cause though. Interestingly, his fast bowling abilities have not been utilized as yet.

Coming back to the games against Australia U-19 where Samit will be anticipated to play a pivotal all-round role, the two series will be played in different locations; the three-match ODI series will be played in Puducherry while the two multi-day series will take place in Chennai. 

The 50-over series will see Uttar Pradesh's Mohammad Amaan captaining the side while the four-day series will witness Soham Patwardhan of Madhya Pradesh taking charge of the side.