Rahul Dravid wishes to see few of the World Cup bound colts feature in the India 'A' team

With the U19 World Cup around the corner, the Indian colts have started off with their penultimate preparations. The squad boasts of a number of talented youngsters and chief coach Rahul Dravid’s next aim is to see a few of the World Cup-bound players feature in the ‘A’ team within the next six to eight months.

The present India U19 captain Prithvi Shaw has already played for the India A team during a warm-up game against New Zealand. Dravid, however, refused to predict who among the current batch has the potential to make it big at the senior level.

Speaking at the pre-departure press conference, Dravid was quoted saying, “The World Cup is an exciting challenge and provides a good opportunity for all these guys. There is a process now in place in Indian cricket – U-19 cricket to first-class cricket and then to India A and then the India national team, when the opportunity arrives.”

The 44-year-old veteran added, “I have been talking to these players about other formats as well. If they can make it to the India A team in 6-8 months, it will be great. We see this as a stepping stone,” the former India captain said.

“Seeing what someone like Washington has done from the last U19 and into the Indian team is really heartening from our perspective and credit to BCCI,” added Dravid.

India will benefit from the presence of experienced players in the squad

The former Indian captain is optimistic about the team’s performance in the junior World Cup starting in New Zealand from January 13. Dravid exuded confidence that the team under Shaw would do well. The squad is set to leave for New Zealand on December 28.

Three-time champions India, who finished runner-up in the previous edition has been placed alongside Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifier Papua New Guinea.

The squad has a few players such as captain Shaw, of Mumbai, Shubhman Gill of Punjab, Himanshu Rana of Haryana, Ishan Porel of Bengal who have first-class cricket experience under the belt, which Dravid believes will be extremely beneficial for the side.

We bring to you all the latest cricket updates and news on CricTracker.com!