Dravid is among the top Test batsmen in the world, but won a regular one-day spot only after agreeing to keep wicket two seasons ago. The move helped India play an extra batsman.

However, the 31-year-old has often spoken of the strain of keeping wicket.

"Wicketkeeping is not something that comes naturally to me. I look upon it as a challenge and I try and do my best," Dravid told reporters on Saturday.

"I hope Parthiv will be given the opportunity to become a full-fledged wicketkeeper batsman (in one-dayers) that probably India needs in the future."

He said he hoped Patel's improving Test batting on the last two tours of Australia and Pakistan would earn him a regular one-day spot soon.