‘Let Rohit open with him’ - Legendary Indian wicketkeeper picks Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as Rohit Sharma's opening partner for the ODI World Cup over Gill

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has backed teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make India's ODI setup, suggesting that the 15-year-old should open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Vaibhav finished as the standout performer in India's 3-0 T20I series sweep, smashing two half-centuries, including a match-winning 81 off 49 balls in the final T20I at the Harare Sports Club. His performances earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

Engineer believes Sooryavanshi's fearless approach makes him an ideal opening partner for Rohit Sharma in the ODI format. The former India cricketer also proposed a change in Shubman Gill's batting position, stating that the India captain should move down to No. 4 despite being the team's current ODI opener.

"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 was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The 88-year-old also explained why he believes a left-right opening combination would benefit India while retaining Virat Kohli at No. 3.

"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 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."

Engineer, who represented India in 46 Tests and five ODIs between 1961 and 1975, feels there is little difference between T20Is and ODIs in the modern game. He believes Sooryavanshi is ready to make the step up to the 50-over format.

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"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 he loses. When he gives a start like that, the other players can have time to consolidate the innings and put on a big score,” he continued.

Engineer also praised the youngster's ability to learn from setbacks and urged the Indian team management not to over-coach him.

"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," Engineer concluded.