Star urges 15-year-old Sooryavanshi in India ODI squad

Former India cricketer Farokh Engineer has called for the national selectors to include 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the One-Day International squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup, suggesting he should open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. Engineer's proposal, made public on July 27, 2026, also involves moving current opener Shubman Gill to the number four position to strengthen the middle order.

The recommendation follows Sooryavanshi's outstanding debut series in Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series after leading India to a 3-0 T20I sweep. The left-handed opener amassed 151 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 196.10, scoring two half-centuries. His performances included a match-winning 81 off 49 balls and a 19-ball fifty, showcasing a fearless and adaptable approach that captured significant attention.

Engineer, an 88-year-old former wicketkeeper-batter, argued that Sooryavanshi's aggressive style is perfectly suited for the ODI format and that India should begin planning for the next World Cup by integrating him now. He emphasized the value of a left-right opening combination with Sharma, suggesting it would provide better...