In India, cricket is as much inherited as it is learned. Father-son dynasties are spoken of with romance, but rarely realised. Unlike football or wrestling families, where surnames echo through generations, Indian cricket has seen only a handful of sons successfully carry their father’s legacy.

Even giants like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar saw their sons — Arjun and Rohan — don state colours, but neither reached the heights their fathers conquered.

Now, another heir steps forward. Anvay Dravid, younger son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, has been named captain of Karnataka’s Under-19 team for the prestigious Vinoo Mankad Trophy in Dehradun, scheduled from October 9 to 17.

A wicketkeeper-batsman by trade, Anvay will lead from both ends, marshalling the field while guarding the stumps. His rise comes just a day after being honoured with the “Best Junior Batter” award by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Anvay made 357 runs from five matches at an average of 45 with four fifties in the under-16 Vijay Merchant tournament.

Also read: ‘Understand yourself’: Dravid’s mantra for aspiring cricketers

Much like his father, Anvay is known for a calm head and composed presence, a proof that temperament, too, may be hereditary. His elder brother Samit Dravid also represented Karnataka in age-group cricket and currently plays for the Mysore Warriors in the Karnataka Premier League. But it is Anvay who now carries the weight of expectations, the possibility of taking the Dravid name back on to the international stage.

Few Indian cricket families have managed to stretch greatness across generations. The Pataudi dynasty, after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played for both India and England, saw his son Mansoor Ali Khan Tiger Pataudi become one of India’s most iconic captains. The Amarnath family extended with both Mohinder and Surinder Amarnath following their father Lala’s path, making India proud on the international stage.

There were glimpses of the Gavaskar legacy being carried forward, but it was short-lived with Rohan. Now, he rules the commentary box.  Roger Binny, one of the 1983 World Cup heroes, was followed by Stuart Binny, who had a brief international stint.

And now, Rahul Dravid’s son Anvay joins this rare list. Will he be content carrying the legacy or be determined to surpass it? If history tells us anything, cricket may give you a surname, but you still have to earn your cap. “The Wall” built the foundation. Now, can the son raise the roof?

By Joe Williams