India, Jan. 13 -- For over two decades now, the Under-19 World Cup has functioned as a reliable launchpad for India's men's cricket. Virat Kohli lifted the trophy in 2008 before becoming an ODI great. Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif went on to serve the Indian team for years following their U-19 triumph in 2000 while more recently, Shubman Gill, Player of the Series at the U-19 World Cup in 2018, is now the captain of the India's Test and ODI teams.

The tournament doesn't guarantee greatness, but it has a way of gently revealing who is equipped for the long road ahead.

Many succumb after the initial hype but every batch invariably produces a star meant for long-term success. As India prepares for another U-19 World Cup - they open their ...