Former Indian keeper-batter Farokh Engineer has backed the Indian teen batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be a part of the Indian ODI set-up, stating that the 15-year-old should open alongside Rohit Sharma ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Speaking exclusively to PTI, the former Indian cricketer has also made a few significant changes to the Indian batting order, suggesting that the Indian skipper Shubman Gill needs to be demoted to No.4.
“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.
“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,” he added.
“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 noted.
Furthermore, Engineer has reckoned that this would be the perfect time for Sooryavanshi to make his ODI debut with the mega event scheduled to take place 14 months from now in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“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.”
“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. He’s not from the MCC book of manual, which is completely out of date.”
“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,” he concluded.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!
