Former India wicketkeeper suggests Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open with Rohit Sharma
Calls for Batting Order Reshuffle
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has suggested a change in the India batting lineup, advocating for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open alongside Rohit Sharma. Engineer believes that Shubman Gill, currently an opener, should move to the number four position, with Virat Kohli batting at number three.
Engineer stated that Gill is a class player and currently the best batsman in the team, making him suitable for the number four spot. He emphasized that a left-right batting combination would be ideal in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with a right-handed Rohit and a left-handed Sooryavanshi at the top of the order. Engineer noted that a batsman like Sooryavanshi is more effective as an opener due to his ability to find larger gaps in the field.
Sooryavanshi’s Recent Performances and Potential
Engineer’s comments follow Sooryavanshi’s performance in a recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he was the leading run-scorer with 151 runs, including two half-centuries. He was also named Player of the Series as India secured a 3-0 clean sweep. Engineer views these performances as sufficient to fast-track the teenager into India’s 50-over plans, suggesting it is the right time to draft him into the ODI side.
During the Zimbabwe series, Sooryavanshi demonstrated his adaptability, scoring 81 runs off 49 balls in the final T20I on a slow Harare pitch, after an earlier rapid half-century in the series opener. While he struggled during India’s T20I tour of England earlier in the month, Engineer urged against over-coaching the youngster, highlighting his natural game as a key asset.
Another former cricket administrator, Makarand Waingankar, also called for Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into the Indian ODI setup to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Waingankar highlighted Sooryavanshi’s success, including scoring his maiden IPL century for Rajasthan Royals in 2025, helping India U-19 win the U19 World Cup in 2026, and emerging as the highest run-scorer in his second IPL season with RR, where he became the youngest player to win the Orange Cap.
Considerations for Fast-Tracking
Despite calls for fast-tracking, some perspectives suggest caution. One reason cited is that Yashasvi Jaiswal should be India’s priority for an opening slot. The current opening pair of captain Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma has performed well, and Sharma’s recent century at Lord’s in the final ODI against England has solidified his position. Yashasvi Jaiswal is seen as a long-term replacement for Sharma, having played quality knocks in the 50-over format, including a century against Afghanistan.
Another point of view is that Sooryavanshi has not yet played enough games in longer formats like ODIs and Tests at the domestic level. It is suggested that he should gain more experience in tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy for his state team before being rushed into international ODI cricket. Apart from the U-19 World Cup, Sooryavanshi has not played extensively in these formats.
Furthermore, it is argued that Sooryavanshi should first establish himself in T20Is before focusing on ODI cricket. He has played seven international matches for India in the T20I format against England and Zimbabwe. While he has gained experience in the IPL, it is believed he still needs to improve his game in the T20I format against various oppositions before contending for an ODI spot.
Engineer believes that Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and match-winning ability make him a player India should invest in now, rather than waiting for the future, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
