Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has thrown his weight behind teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India’s ODI squad, saying the 15-year-old should open alongside Rohit Sharma in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup. Engineer also proposed a significant reshuffle in the batting order, suggesting that Shubman Gill should move down to No. 4 despite his success as an opener.
Sooryavanshi’s stock has continued to rise after a memorable tour of Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series following 151 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries. His performances have sparked discussions over a potential promotion to India’s 50-over side, and Engineer believes the youngster has already shown enough to earn that opportunity.
Speaking to PTI, the former India cricketer said Gill’s quality would allow him to flourish in the middle order while Sooryavanshi’s attacking style makes him the ideal opening partner for Rohit.
“The ideal situation is Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Gill is a class player. Gill, I think, is the best batsman in the team now. So, Gill should come at four.”
Engineer explained that India’s batting order would benefit from a left-right opening combination.
“Gill is not a guy who lifts the ball. So, a left-right combination would be ideal in ODIs. So, if Rohit is playing, and I think he should be playing, let him open with Sooryavanshi.”
“A batsman like him (Sooryavanshi) is much better at opening because he finds bigger gaps in the field. Virat Kohli can come third. Gill can come fourth and then we’ve got a solid batting line-up.”
DOES VAIBHAV SOORYAVANSHI DESERVE AN ODI CALL-UP?
Engineer said there was little reason to delay Sooryavanshi’s introduction into the ODI setup, arguing that the youngster’s fearless approach would translate seamlessly from T20 cricket.
“This is probably the right time to draft Sooryavanshi into India’s ODI side. I don’t know why people distinguish so much between ODI and T20 because for me, a half-volley is a half-volley. He’s been getting runs and he’s got the confidence to open the innings.”
He also backed the teenager’s aggressive mindset, saying the rewards would outweigh the occasional failure.
“He’ll win more matches for you than lose you. When he gives a start like that, the other players can have time to consolidate the innings and put on a big score.”
‘DON’T OVER-COACH A GENIUS’
Engineer urged the Indian team management to allow Sooryavanshi to play naturally rather than burdening him with technical changes, comparing the youngster’s instinctive batting to that of West Indies great Viv Richards.
“Anything which is slightly short of length, in Sooryavanshi’s arc, is going to go for a six. He learned from his mistakes, he has learned to curb himself. But don’t try to over-coach him. He’s not from the MCC book of manual, which is completely out of date.”
“He’s a genius. Nor was Viv Richards. Viv was the best batsman I’ve ever seen play. But persevere with Sooryavanshi. He’ll be a tremendous asset for India.”
Engineer believes India’s ODI setup should start preparing for the future well ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with Sooryavanshi’s explosive starts potentially giving the side a new dimension at the top of the order while allowing Gill to strengthen the middle order.
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