'Let Sooryavanshi open with Rohit': Ex-cricketer wants Gill to bat at No. 4
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer urged selectors to "Let Sooryavanshi open with Rohit", saying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi merits an ODI call-up. He also recommended Shubman Gill bat at number four in the lineup.
Engineer, who kept wickets for India, pointed to the batter's displays in the Zimbabwe series as evidence of readiness for international one-day cricket. He argued that Sooryavanshi's fearless approach shown there makes a strong case for promotion to the national side. The former cricketer framed his suggestions around a reconfigured top and middle order.
By proposing that Sooryavanshi open alongside Rohit Sharma, Engineer outlined a specific solution for India's opening combination. He emphasised the youngster's attacking instinct as suited to a role that can seize early momentum. That recommendation was presented as part of his view on how to deploy emerging talent.
Engineer also proposed Shubman Gill bat at number four, shifting the established batting order to accommodate the new opener. Positioning Gill at No. 4 would move him into a middle-order role responsible for absorbing pressure and building the innings. The suggestion placed both Sooryavanshi and Gill into defined roles within the ODI setup.
The Zimbabwe series performances convinced Engineer of Sooryavanshi's readiness, and he singled out the teenager's fearless approach as a valuable asset for India. That appraisal underpinned his call for an ODI call-up and the recommended batting reshuffle. Engineer kept the focus on current form displayed against Zimbabwe in making his case.
Engineer reiterated that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi deserves an ODI call-up and recommended Shubman Gill bat at No. 4. Those points formed the central thrust of his suggestions regarding India's batting order.
