Farokh Engineer wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open with Rohit Sharma in ODI

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Pic: AFP)

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer believes young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be selected into India's ODI setup to partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The former wicketkeeper-batter suggested that Shubman Gill, who currently opens alongside Rohit, could shift down to the number four position to fortify the middle order.

"The ideal situation is captain 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 told PTI.

"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," he said.

'Sooryavanshi has justified his selection after Zimbabwe tour'

Teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won the Player of the Series award in the recent three-match series against Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs including two half-centuries.

In light of his strong form, Engineer suggested that the 15-year-old has made a compelling case for selection in 50-over 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'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," Engineer added.

The 88-year-old urged Indian selectors and coaches to back the young talent without attempting to change his natural instinct.

"Anything which is slightly short of length, in Suryavanshi's curve, 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 He's not from the MCC book of manual, which is completely out of date."

(With inputs from PTI)