India’s Under-19 players are the in-form team at the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup, storming to the semi-finals with a thumping win over Bangladesh in the quarter-finals.

And as expected, the stars of the India U-19 side were in focus during the opening day of the IPL 2018 player auction which was held in Bangalore on Saturday.

While it can be a challenge to keep teenage cricketers focused at an ICC event when some of them become overnight rupee millionaires, here’s hoping India coach Rahul Dravid and the rest of management keep the boys on track.

Here are the three star players of the U-19 team that struck gold at the IPL auction.

PRITHVI SHAW

Sold to Delhi Daredevils for rupees 12 million (Dh690,000)

The Indian team captain has been rock solid at the top of the order, hitting a majestic 94 against the Aussies before hitting an unbeaten 57 against Papua New Guinea and 40 against Bangladesh.

The standout feature of his batting is free-flowing strokeplay couple with a resolute technique which is the hallmark of all fine Mumbai batsmen. Amassed 961 runs in nine first-class matches for Mumbai in his debut season. An almost guaranteed star batsman of the future.

SHUBMAN GILL

Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for rupees 18 million (Dh1m)

The hard-hitting top order batsman packs quite a punch and has three fifties from three outings at the U-19 World Cup to prove it.

The Punjab lad uses his long reach to great effect and has had a great start to his domestic career – averaging 61 after two first class games and 35 after seven one-day matches.

How he turns that form into T20 runs will make for interesting viewing.

KAMLESH NAGARKOTI

Sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for rupees 32 million (Dh 1.8m)

Without doubt the star of the ongoing U-19 World Cup. High pace, spot-on yorkers and athletic fielding made Nagarkoti a must-have during the auction.

Clocking speeds over 145kph, the diminutive Rajasthan bowler was destined to be on the radars of a few franchises.

Kolkata, Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad fought for his services and it was the Knight Riders who clinched the deal.