A big season for...

Sanju Samson has already set the template of how to achieve concurrent success in T20s and the longer format. His first-class average has got better year on year and so has his stature within the Rajasthan Royals set-up. Manan Vohra made an impression with his outrageous strokeplay in the IPL this season and now needs to replicate the success in the Ranji Trophy.

The same is true for his Kings XI Punjab teammate Akshar Patel, who leaped into national reckoning on the back of a strong IPL season. But with India's Test spin-bowling unit in need of some reinforcements, the selectors would want to keep an eye on how he develops in the longer format.

The Under-19 route gives players much-needed early visibility in a crowded talent space. No wonder some of the players choose to stay stuck in the teens. The 2014 Under-19 World Cup was not a fruitful campaign for India but it did throw up some exciting names. Kuldeep Yadav earned an IPL contract and a place in the India squad as well, but his real examination will start now.

Vijay Zol was Kuldeep's captain in that U-19 team and his case is a little different. Zol had a solid Ranji season last year - he scored an unbeaten 91 to oust Mumbai in the quarter-final - but was lost in the shadows of Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers in the limited IPL exposure he received. This year will be his chance to push a little bit more for a national call-up.

Two more players from that U-19 squad will look to make an impression. Shreyas Iyer hit two half-centuries and an unbeaten hundred for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to break into the Ranji squad, while Deepak Hooda earned a promotion to the Baroda Ranji side on the back of solid all-round performances in the same tournament.

Karnataka are deriving their strength not only from a group of experienced seniors who are all less than 30, but also from a steady stream of new talent. KL Rahul is already in Australia with the India Test squad and Karun Nair is not too far behind. Nair averages more than 50 in both first-class and List A cricket and he will want to let the brand grow with similar performances this season.

Another Karnataka player looking for a step-up is legspinner Shreyas Gopal. A bowler in the Anil Kumble mould, Gopal ran through Maharashtra in last year's Ranji Trophy final. He was regularly among the wickets in his appearances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Baba Aparajith has been around for three years even though he is still only 20. But he is showing signs of growth. Along with his serious batting ability, the value he brings as an offspinner adds to his worth.

Cheepurapalli Stephen, the left-arm seamer from Andhra, is lanky and skiddy. His 11 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy earned him a place in the South Zone squad for the Deodhar Trophy.

Delhi's 18-year-old batsman Himmat Singh has been prolific at the state Under-19 level.

Jharkhand's 16-year-old left-hander Virat Singh scored a half-century against West Zone in the Deodhar semi-final.

Rajasthan's 18-year-old Aditya Garhwal rose to prominence with scores of 263 and 196 in one-day games at the state Under-19 level.

Tamil Nadu's 19-year-old Shahrukh Khan is a right-hand batsman and offspinner. He could yet prove to be more than just a famous name.