Former cricketer suggests Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill at No. 4

By Sanjay Menon — 28 July 2026 — 4 min read

Debate on India’s ODI Opening Pair

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has suggested a change in India’s One Day International (ODI) batting lineup, advocating for teenage player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open alongside Rohit Sharma. Engineer believes that Shubman Gill, currently an opener, should move to the No. 4 position, with Virat Kohli batting at No. 3.

Engineer highlighted the potential benefits of a left-right batting combination at the top of the order, which Sooryavanshi and Sharma would provide. He noted that Gill, whom he considers the team’s best batsman, would strengthen the middle order at No. 4. This proposed reshuffle aims to create a solid batting lineup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The former cricketer emphasized that Sooryavanshi’s natural game is well-suited for an opening role, as he is adept at finding gaps in the field. Engineer stated that a player like Sooryavanshi, who can provide a strong start, allows other batsmen time to consolidate the innings and build a significant score.

Sooryavanshi’s Recent Performances and Future Prospects

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s recent performances, particularly in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, have brought him into the spotlight. He was the leading run-scorer in the series with 151 runs, including two half-centuries, and was named Player of the Series as India secured a 3-0 clean sweep. Engineer views these performances as sufficient reason to consider the 15-year-old for India’s 50-over plans.

Despite a challenging T20I tour of England earlier in the month, Sooryavanshi demonstrated his adaptability in Zimbabwe. He scored 81 runs off 49 balls in the final T20I on a slow pitch in Harare, following a rapid half-century in the series opener. Engineer believes that now is the appropriate time to integrate Sooryavanshi into India’s ODI side, stating that his current form and confidence to open the innings are strong indicators of his readiness.

However, some areas for improvement have been identified for Sooryavanshi, including handling short-pitched bowling, adapting to overseas conditions, and refining his shot selection. Engineer cautioned against over-coaching the youngster, stressing the importance of preserving his natural game, which he considers his unique strength. He compared Sooryavanshi’s talent to that of Viv Richards, urging continued support for the player.

Former cricket administrator Makarand Waingankar has also called for Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into the Indian ODI setup to allow ample preparation time for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Sooryavanshi gained significant attention after scoring his maiden IPL century for Rajasthan Royals in 2025 and later helped India U-19 win the U19 World Cup in 2026. In his second IPL season with RR this year, he was the highest run-scorer and the youngest player to win the Orange Cap.

After his success with RR, Sooryavanshi received his first India call-up for the UK tour. Although he did not play in the Ireland series and struggled in his four matches against England, he later excelled in the Zimbabwe series. Waingankar posted on X, suggesting that Sooryavanshi, whom he likened to Sanath Jayasuriya, should be fast-tracked for the 2027 World Cup, emphasizing the need for Indian selectors to develop bench strength.

Considerations for Fast-Tracking Sooryavanshi

Despite the calls for fast-tracking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the ODI team, some perspectives suggest a more cautious approach. One reason cited is that India’s opening slot in ODIs appears to be settled, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma forming a successful partnership. This duo is expected to continue playing together at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

While there was speculation 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 reaffirmed his position. Consequently, Sharma is anticipated to continue opening with the Indian captain, leaving limited immediate scope for another player in that role.

Furthermore, Yashasvi Jaiswal is already considered a strong contender and potential long-term replacement for Sharma as an opener. Jaiswal has delivered notable 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. While his talent is evident, he has not played extensively in matches such as the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. It is suggested that he should gain more experience in these formats to prove his readiness for batting for extended periods before being rushed into international ODI cricket. Apart from the U-19 World Cup, Sooryavanshi has not played enough games to warrant an immediate call-up to the ODI team, making the 2027 ODI World Cup a distant prospect for him at this stage.

Additionally, Sooryavanshi has only played seven international T20I matches for India against England and Zimbabwe. While he has gained experience in the IPL against top bowlers, it is believed he still has significant progress to make in international cricket. The recommendation is for the 15-year-old to focus on improving his game in the T20I format and prove himself against quality opposition before contending for a spot in the ODI team.

Engineer believes Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and match-winning capabilities make him a player India should invest in now, rather than waiting for the future, with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.

The Zimbabwe series concluded with India achieving a 3-0 clean sweep.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com