The Vinoo Mankad Trophy is India’s premier under-19 one-day tournament. But who was Vinoo Mankad, and why is the trophy named after him?

Vinoo Mankad was one of India’s greatest all-rounders, playing 44 Tests between 1946 and 1959. He is best remembered for his world-record 413-run opening stand with Vijay Merchant against New Zealand in Madras in 1956.

His name also lives on in the term “Mankading”, the run-out of a non-striker backing up too far. Mankad famously ran out Australia’s Bill Brown this way in 1947, sparking a debate that continues today.

The BCCI named its under-19 one-day competition after him to honour his all-round legacy. The tournament is a key scouting ground, with strong performances often leading to India under-19 selection and, later, senior state contracts.

Past editions of the tournament have produced several India internationals. Scouts from IPL teams also track the competition closely for young talent. For many players, it is the first time they experience the pressure of a nationally televised age-group event.