In his short career to date, Rishabh Pant has already built a reputation as one of the most exciting young cricketers in the world. He announced his quality on the world stage at the 2016 ICC U19 CWC, scoring 267 runs at an average of 44.50, including one century and two half-centuries.

It was the left-hander's blistering run rate that particularly caught the eye, as he scored the fastest ever U19 international fifty, from 18 deliveries against Nepal, and then smashed 111 from 96 balls against Namibia to secure India's progress to the semi-finals, eventually losing to West Indies in the final. Pant's enterprising hitting drew comparisons with MS Dhoni, whose footsteps he will be hoping to follow in the years ahead.

Impressed by his showing at the tournament, and a sensational 2016/17 Ranj Trophy campaign in which he hit four centuries for Delhi – including a 326-ball 308 against Maharashtra and then, three weeks later, the fastest century in the tournament's history, from 48 balls – the national selectors picked Pant for the T20I series against England last January. He made 5 not out on debut in Bengaluru and then struck 38 from 35 balls on his second appearance, against West Indies last July, signalling a bright future in the international game.

"We will groom him and back him," said India's chief national selector MSK Prasad last year. "We will ensure that he is successful in future."

There will be many young cricketers eagerly eyeing the opportunity to emulate Pant at this year's ICC U19 CWC and secure a queue jump to senior international cricket. Who can step up to the plate?

The ICC U19 CWC in New Zealand gets underway on Saturday 13 January