Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Zimbabwe Heroics Spark Fresh ODI Selection Debate

Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to earn an ODI call-up and open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma as India begin building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 15-year-old strengthened his credentials after being named Player of the Series in India's 3-0 T20I sweep of Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs, including two half-centuries.

Engineer wants Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to open with Rohit Sharma

Engineer believes India should make the most of Sooryavanshi's fearless approach by promoting him straight to the top of the order in ODI cricket.

"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 also suggested that India could field a left-right opening combination by pairing Rohit with Sooryavanshi while moving Gill into the middle order.

"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 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."

'The right time' for an ODI debut

Engineer believes Sooryavanshi has already done enough to earn a place in India's 50-over side.

"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 the former India wicketkeeper, the youngster's aggressive starts could help India's middle order 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."

'Don't over-coach Vaibhav Sooryavanshi'

Engineer also urged the Indian team management to allow Sooryavanshi to play his natural game rather than trying to alter his style.

"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."

Comparing the teenager's instinctive approach to batting with one of cricket's all-time greats, Engineer added: "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."

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shines in Zimbabwe

The youngster enjoyed a breakthrough series in Zimbabwe, finishing as the highest-impact batter across the three-match T20I series.

His tally of 151 runs, including two fifties, earned him the Player of the Series award as India completed a comprehensive 3-0 sweep.

With India beginning preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Engineer's comments add to the growing calls for the teenage opener to be given an opportunity in the 50-over format.