Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has been making a strong case for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for ODI World Cup 2027, who has been a hot topic in Indian cricket circles.
Engineer feels that India should start preparing for the ODI World Cup 2027 by giving Sooryavanshi a shot at the top order. The former cricketer also recommended that Virat Kohli remain at No. 3 and that Shubman Gill move to No. 4 to augment the middle order.
The recommendation follows Sooryavanshi’s stellar international stint, where he was named the Player of the Series against Zimbabwe after scoring 151 runs, including two half-centuries.
Sooryavanshi achieved another landmark on his India debut, becoming India’s youngest men’s international cricketer at the age of 15 years and 99 days, adding another achievement to his fast-rising career.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for ODI World Cup 2027 Supported by Impressive Numbers
Sooryavanshi’s sensational performances in all formats over the past year back this up. The Rajasthan Royals youngster had a dream performance during the IPL, as his 776 runs made him the highest run-scorer of the tournament and earned him the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Emerging Player awards.
His fearless batting abilities were demonstrated by his strike rate of 237.30 and his 72 sixes, which set a new tournament record and showed that he could dominate bowlers from the very first over.
The teenager is also proving himself in the 50-over format. Playing for India A, he smashed 94 off 29 balls, including a breathtaking 11-ball half-century.
Sooryavanshi is a natural fit to lead India’s batting attack, Engineer believes. If a left-right arrangement between Rohit Sharma and Sooryavanshi, followed by the experienced Virat Kohli and steadfast Shubman Gill, can be achieved, it could give India a balanced batting lineup in the lead up to the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
While some former cricketers have called for the teen to be treated with caution, Engineer thinks that, when it comes to exceptional talent, there should be no time constraints. The talk of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for ODI World Cup 2027 could soon become a reality with his rapid pace of growth.
