The fanbase for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently tore through opposition bowling attacks in Harare, continues to grow at a rapid pace. Joining the list of admirers is former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer. The former wicketkeeper stated that ahead of the 2027 World Cup, the young batting sensation should be included in the ODI team as an opening partner alongside Rohit Sharma. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman suggested that Shubman Gill, who currently occupies the other opening slot with Rohit, should bat at number four to provide further stability to the middle order.
Suryavanshi clinched the Player of the Series award in the recently concluded three-match series against Zimbabwe, accumulating 151 runs including two half-centuries. Engineer feels that the 15-year-old player has produced enough stellar performances to cement a spot in the 50-over format. He noted that this is perhaps the ideal time to draft Suryavanshi into India's ODI setup.
Sharing his views during an interview, Engineer explained that the ideal scenario would feature Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Suryavanshi opening the innings. He described Gill as a classy player and arguably the team's best batsman right now, which is why Gill should drop down to number four. Since Gill is not someone who frequently hits the ball up in the air, a left-right batting combination at the top would be ideal. Therefore, if Rohit is playing—and Engineer believes he should—he should open the innings alongside Suryavanshi.
A batsman of Suryavanshi's caliber is much better suited at the top because he excels at finding large gaps in the field. Virat Kohli could come in at number three, followed by Gill at number four, thereby creating a formidable batting lineup. Engineer expressed his bewilderment at why people draw such a stark line between ODI and T20 cricket, emphasizing that a half-volley remains a half-volley regardless of the format. Suryavanshi is scoring runs consistently and possesses the confidence required to start an innings.
According to Engineer, the youngster is far more likely to win matches than lose them given his aggressive approach. When he provides such explosive starts, it gives subsequent players ample time to anchor the innings and post a massive total. The veteran stressed that the Indian team management must stick with Suryavanshi because he is a high-quality match-winner.
Analyzing his gameplay, Engineer noted that anything slightly short against Suryavanshi is dispatched straight for a six. He has learned from his mistakes and mastered self-control. However, he warned against over-coaching the youngster, pointing out that he does not adhere to the outdated Marylebone Cricket Club coaching manual. He is a natural genius, much like Viv Richards, whom Engineer regards as the greatest batsman he ever watched play. The former player concluded that sticking with Suryavanshi will turn him into a tremendous asset for Indian cricket.
