Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has proposed a new opening combination for the national team, suggesting that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should open alongside Rohit Sharma. Engineer believes this change would be beneficial ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with Shubman Gill moving to the number four position in the batting order.
Engineer’s recommendation includes Virat Kohli batting at number three, creating what he describes as a solid batting lineup. He highlighted the importance of a left-right batting combination in One Day Internationals (ODIs), noting that Sooryavanshi’s left-handed style would complement Rohit’s right-handed approach. Engineer also mentioned that Gill, whom he considers the best batsman in the team, is not a player who frequently lifts the ball, making him suitable for the number four spot.
Sooryavanshi’s Recent Performances and Potential Role
The suggestion to fast-track Sooryavanshi into the ODI squad follows his performance in a recent T20I series against Zimbabwe. The 15-year-old emerged as the leading run-scorer in the series, accumulating 151 runs, which included two half-centuries. His contributions earned him the Player of the Series award as India secured a 3-0 clean sweep.
Engineer views these performances as sufficient justification for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in India’s 50-over plans. He argued against distinguishing too much between ODI and T20 formats, stating that a good delivery remains a good delivery regardless of the format. Engineer believes Sooryavanshi’s confidence and ability to score runs, particularly as an opener, would allow other players to consolidate the innings and contribute to higher scores.
During the Zimbabwe series, Sooryavanshi demonstrated his adaptability, scoring 81 runs off 49 balls in the final T20I on a slow Harare surface. This followed a rapid half-century in the series opener. While he had a less successful outing during India’s T20I tour of England earlier in the month, his performance against Zimbabwe showcased his potential.
Engineer acknowledged that Sooryavanshi still has areas for improvement, such as handling short-pitched bowling, adapting to overseas conditions, and refining his shot selection. However, he cautioned against over-coaching the youngster, emphasizing that his natural game is what makes him a special talent. Engineer compared Sooryavanshi’s genius to that of Viv Richards, urging the team to persevere with him as he could be a significant asset for India.
Alternative Perspectives on Sooryavanshi’s Progression
Despite the calls for Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked, some opinions suggest a more gradual approach. Former cricket administrator Makarand Waingankar has also advocated for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the ODI setup, urging the BCCI and the Indian team management to provide him with ample time to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Waingankar even compared Sooryavanshi to Sanath Jayasuriya, referencing Jayasuriya’s impact in the 1996 World Cup.
Sooryavanshi has garnered attention for his performances, including scoring his maiden IPL century for Rajasthan Royals in 2025. He also played for the India U-19 side, helping them win the U19 World Cup in 2026. In his second IPL season with RR, he was the highest run-scorer and the youngest player to win the Orange Cap. His success led to his maiden India call-up during the UK tour, where he debuted against England, though he did not make a significant impact in the four matches he played.
However, there is also a viewpoint that fast-tracking Sooryavanshi might not be necessary at this stage. Concerns have been raised about overexposing him to international cricket too early in his career. One argument is that India’s opening slot in ODIs appears settled with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, a pair that has performed well for the national team. While there were discussions about Rohit Sharma’s future during a challenging period on the England tour, his century at Lord’s in the final ODI of the series solidified his position.
Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Sharma as an opener. Jaiswal has delivered quality performances in the 50-over format, including a century in his last game against Afghanistan. Another point of consideration is Sooryavanshi’s limited experience in longer formats at the domestic level. He is yet to play a substantial number of matches in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy, which are crucial for developing endurance in ODIs and Tests. It is suggested that he should first establish himself in T20Is before transitioning to ODI cricket, having only played seven international matches in the T20I format against England and Zimbabwe.
Engineer believes that with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and match-winning capabilities make him a player worth investing in now.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter