Bengaluru: On the eve of his 47th birthday, batting legend Rahul Dravid received one of the best gifts of his life. His son Samit Dravid did his legendary father proud by making it to the Karnataka Under-14 state side for the South Zone tournament (two-day matches) to be played in Bengaluru from January 16 to February 8.

On Friday (January 10), Samit was part of the 15-man squad announced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Tomorrow (January 11), Rahul celebrates his birthday.

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In the selection matches, conducted by the KSCA, Samit had done very well. In a single match, he had scored 201 and 94 not out. His selection to the state team was a foregone conclusion after his impressive run with the bat.

Samit is a right-handed batsman and studies at Mallya Aditi International School in Bengaluru. Rahul is now the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

The Karnataka side is captained by Karthikeya KP and coached by former state Ranji Trophy cricketers C Raghu and Rajshekar Shanbal.

Karnataka squad

Karthikeya KP (captain), Shivam MB, Samit Dravid, Rohan R Revankar, Ravi Kairav Reddy (wicketkeeper), Samarth Nagaraj, Kanishk M (wicketkeeper), Rahul Bellad, Ansh Aima, Pranav Ashwath, Hardik Raj, Sridhar J, Pranav Abhijit Bhatt AD, Aadesh Urs, Aryan Inchal. Coaches: C Raghu and Rajshekar Shanbal. Physio: Gowtham HS, Trainer: Sri Kiran A