India, Jan. 14 -- Since its inception in 1988 and its return in 1998, the ICC U19 World Cup has been a snapshot of cricketers for the next generation. Across formats and countries, the tournament gathers the brightest teenagers to test them before their reputation and legacy is built.

Five-time winners India - the most successful nation in this tournament - can head into the tournament starting in Zimbabwe and Namibia on Thursday with confidence. They have quite a few stars who have already shown glimpses of their potential on one of the most gruelling platforms - the Indian Premier League.

The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, since his 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals in IPL last year, has been gobbling up records for breakfast and...