The Under-19 World Cup is often said to be a stage where young talents are nurtured and prepared for the challenges of the International Cricket. Players with exceptional talent are often identified at this level and groomed to promote them to the ultimate stage.

Good performances in tournaments like these have often meant backing by the team management at the International level.

There so many examples of players who are doing well at the International level but are in fact a product of the Under-19 World Cup. However, it is also true that while all Under-19 cricketers aspire to feature in the ODI World Cup, only a selected few get the chance to do so.

Here is a look at a few stars who are featuring in the ongoing Cricket World Cup together but are teammates since Under 19 days.

Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal

Watching Bangladesh grow from being a minnow to a major force to reckon with in World Cricket, the trio Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal have been an integral part of the country’s extraordinary journey

Together, the players have scored a mountain of runs for their team. While Tamim is Bangladesh’s all-time highest run-getter, Shakib is one of the best all-rounders in World Cricket. On the other hand, Mushfiqur’s finishing skills added to his wicket-keeping makes him an invaluable asset for his team.

The trio featured in the Under-19 World Cup 2006 in which Bangladesh were beaten in the Quarter finals.

The trio has seen Bangladesh’s journey closely and have played an instrumental role in helping the nation reach a respectable stage in International Cricket.

Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee

The New Zealand trio is one of the most popular trio in New Zealand cricket. All these players are vital members of the New Zealand squad and have been involved in innumerable match-winning performances for the Kiwis.

All the three played in the 2008 edition of the Under 19 coveted trophy before going on to make a name for themselves in International cricket.

Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, James Vince

After a poor performance in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, England have changed the brand of cricket. They have invested on young all-round players and are now reaping rewards for that.

The likes of Root, Stokes and Buttler who have played their part in England’s transformation played for England in the 2010 edition of the Under 19 World Cup

James Vince was also part of that World Cup and is a member of the current World Cup team.

Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja
 
Interestingly seven players from India’s 2019 World Cup Squad have also featured in U-19 World Cup. Only a couple of them have been part of the winning side though.

Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja were the members of the U-19 World Cup squad that went on to win the trophy in 2008. While Jadeja had represented India in the same tournament in 2006 as well, where Rohit Sharma was his teammate, it was a maiden Under 19 World Cup for Virat Kohli who was also the captain of this side.

David Warner, Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja 

Australia’s top three of the ongoing mega cricketing event were also part of Under 19 Cricket World Cup for their team.

The trio was part of the 2006 edition of the Under 19 World Cup which Pakistan went on to win.

However, post their Under 19 days, each player had a contrasting start to their international career.