India, Sept. 5 -- Lord's has a way of making even accomplished cricketers conscious of history. In August 1996, however, the old ground seemed to exert no such intimidation over the 15-year-old leading India in the final of the Lombard Under-15 Challenge Cup. Pakistan had made 222 for seven, and the Indian captain had already imposed himself on the match with the ball. The more exacting examination was still to come. A global title now depended on a chase, and the teenager entrusted with leading it appeared entirely untroubled by either the setting or the occasion.

He remained unbeaten on 82 as India reached their target with four wickets in hand. Earlier, his 3 for 34 had accounted for Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Arafat and Kamran Akmal in a Pa...