Indiabatting combination for 2027 ODI World Cup It has already become a topic of discussion, and the former wicketkeeper Farooq Engineer A bold solution has been proposed after a brilliant performance with the bat by a young player. Engineer believes young talent should be increasingly included in India’s ODI team and partners Rohit Sharma On top of the order. He also recommended changing the current captain Shubman Gill for the No. 4 position, arguing that the move would create a more balanced batting lineup.
Farooq Engineer has suggested a new opening partner for Rohit Sharma in ODIs.
The engineer considered the 15-year-old boy a prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi Rohit should have a new opening partner in the 50 over format. Suryavanshi has emerged as one of the brightest young talents after an exceptional T20I series against India zimbabwe. The left-handed batsman finished as the leading run-scorer in the three-match series with 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and an explosive strike rate of 196.10. His campaign included two half-centuries and saw him break several records as well as receive the Player of the Series award.
His fearless approach has attracted the attention of many former cricketers, with Engineer becoming the latest player to back the youngster for a bigger role in international cricket. Speaking about India’s ideal ODI batting order, Engineer suggested keeping Rohit at the top and pairing him with Suryavanshi to form a left-right opening combination. According to the former Indian wicketkeeper, Gill’s strengths can be better used in the middle order. Virat Kohli Should continue batting at number 3.
“Gill is a class player. I think he is the best batsman in the team now. So, Gill should come in at number four. Gill is not a person who lifts the ball. So, a left-right combination would be ideal in ODIs. So, if Rohit is playing, and I think he should, let him open with Suryavanshi. A batsman like him is much better at opening because he gets big gaps in the field. Virat Kohli can come in at number three. Gill can come in at number four And then we have a solid batting line-up,” The engineer was quoted as saying by India Today.
Shubman Gill’s impressive record as an opening batsman presents a selection dilemma
While Engineer’s proposal offers an interesting tactical perspective, implementing it would require India to move one of its most successful ODI openers in recent years. Seagill has an extraordinary record at the top of the order, opening in 60 of his 66 ODI innings. During that period, he averaged an excellent 59.18 and scored seven centuries, establishing himself as one of the world’s leading opening batsmen in the 50-over format.
These figures make it difficult for the team management to justify moving him away from his preferred role, especially with the ODI World Cup less than a year away. Despite Suryavanshi’s impressive rise, any changes to India’s top order will need to be carefully considered.
Former keeper believes young star is ready for 50-over challenge
Engineer also dismissed the notion that the transition from T20Is to ODIs would be a major hurdle for Suryavanshi. He argued that the young player’s confidence and aggressive style would serve him effectively in the white-ball format for a long time.
The numbers support that optimism. In List A cricket, Suryavanshi has already scored 564 runs in 13 matches at an average of 43.38, while maintaining a remarkable strike rate of around 177, underscoring his ability to dominate bowling attacks beyond T20 cricket.
“This is probably the right time to include Suryavanshi in India’s ODI team. I don’t know why people make such a difference between ODIs and T20s because for me, half-volley is half-volley. He is scoring runs and he has got the confidence to open the innings. He will win more matches for you than losing you. When he gives starts like this, other players can get time to consolidate the innings and score a big score.” The engineer added.
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