Farokh Engineer Wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Open With Rohit Sharma, Suggests Gill At No. 4

July 27, 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's outstanding T20I series against Zimbabwe has strengthened calls for his inclusion in India's ODI squad. The 15-year-old continued his remarkable rise with another impressive display, prompting former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer to back him for an immediate promotion to the 50-over format.

Engineer believes chief selector Ajit Agarkar should include the youngster in India's ODI setup without delay and pair him with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. He also suggested a reshuffle in the batting line-up, with Shubman Gill moving to No. 4 ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Speaking to PTI, the former India wicketkeeper explained why he feels the left-handed Sooryavanshi is ready to take on the responsibility of opening in ODI cricket.

Engineer Backs Left-Right Opening Combination

Engineer said India should build their batting order around an aggressive left-right opening pair, with Rohit Sharma and Sooryavanshi leading the way. According to him, the combination would put opposition bowlers under pressure from the start while allowing the rest of the batting order to settle into their roles.

"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 told PTI.

He further explained that Gill's batting style makes him better suited to the middle order in ODIs, while Sooryavanshi's fearless approach can make full use of the fielding restrictions during the powerplay.

"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."

Engineer also supported Virat Kohli continuing at No. 3, saying the revised batting order would give India the right balance and flexibility throughout the innings. In his view, the combination would allow India's experienced batters to build on the platform created by an attacking opening stand.

Zimbabwe Heroics Strengthen ODI Selection Case

Sooryavanshi strengthened his case for an ODI call-up with an outstanding performance in India's T20I series against Zimbabwe.

The teenager finished as the Player of the Series after India completed a 3-0 clean sweep. He scored 151 runs in three innings, including two half-centuries, and once again showed the fearless batting that has made him one of India's brightest young prospects.

Engineer believes there is no reason to delay his ODI debut after such consistent performances.

"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."

According to Engineer, Sooryavanshi's aggressive starts could help India dominate matches early and allow the middle order to build bigger totals.

"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."

The former wicketkeeper also pointed to the youngster's growing maturity, saying he has already shown an ability to learn from his mistakes despite his age.

'Don't Over-Coach Him,' Says Engineer

While praising Sooryavanshi's batting, Engineer also warned against changing the youngster's natural style.

He believes India's coaches and selectors should allow him to play with freedom instead of placing unnecessary restrictions on his attacking game.

"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."

Engineer added that Sooryavanshi's success comes from his instinctive approach rather than textbook technique.

"He's not from the MCC book of manual, which is completely out of date."

The former India wicketkeeper even compared the teenager's natural batting instincts to one of the greatest players the game has seen.

"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."

India's ODI opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has remained settled in recent years, with Gill also serving as the team's vice-captain across formats. However, Sooryavanshi's rapid rise has added another exciting option ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Whether the selectors decide to fast-track him into the ODI squad or continue his development through T20Is remains one of the biggest selection debates in Indian cricket over the coming months. Engineer, however, believes the teenager has already shown enough to deserve his opportunity in the 50-over format.