From boys to men - The best U-24 batsmen in India to watch out for

India has a history of producing top quality batsmen ever since it began playing the gentleman’s game. From Lala Amarnath (India’s first Test centurion) and Vijay Merchant in the 1930s, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in the 60s, Gavaskar and Vishwanath in the 70s and 80s and Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly most recently, the country has produced players who consistently make it to the elite club of their times.Young prodigies like Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina, all those who made it into the team via the U-19 ranks are no longer boys – they are men looking to take the world in their stride.This obviously brings us to the next question – Who’s next in line to carry the baton of this rich tradition forward? Here, I attempt to highlight the top batsmen in India under the age of 24, who can make the big leap in coming years.However, before beginning the list, it is interesting to note that a majority of these players are actually solid, technically sound batsmen of the Dravid and Pujara mould rather than one-hit wonders contrary to what one might possibly be expecting especially since the advent of the IPL.Since Ajinkya Rahane in 2011, there has been no batsman under 24 years of age who has been made his debut for India at international level, showing India’s aversion to play youngsters unless they are a complete product, and indicating the presence of a much more settled batting unit and more experienced campaigners for backup.A very small clarification (not to hurt anyone’s intelligence), the word List-A has been used for Top Tier 50-over games, and First Class for the longer versions.The article also tries to bring into light lesser known facts about these youngsters.Note: The list is ranked in no specific order. Age as on 27th October 2014.

#1 Notable Absentees

Unmukt Chand: The player who was branded out as the next Virat Kohli fizzled out faster than a soda can. But with age on his side and a penchant to score big, Indian cricket would be hoping he gets back into his stride sooner than later.

Hanuma Vihari: Though known for his knocks for the Hyderabad franchise, his real prowess lies in the longer version of the game where he averages over 50. However he has failed to impress the selectors as yet being overlooked for the Australian tour, the Irani Trophy as well the Deodhar Trophy.

Mandeep Singh: Mandy, as he is fondly called also started off with a few mind numbing innings. However, things reached a roadblock for the colourful batsman this year as his form waned out just a little. He was replaced by Manan Vohra in the Punjab set-up after a string of low scores. Like Vihari, he is out of favour with the selectors and did not get a look in for either the Australian tour or the Irani Trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav and Manprit Juneja: Prolific young players they certainly are, however each of them is a tad over 24 failing to make the cut off for the Age criterion.