Former Cricketers Urge India to Fast-Track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 2027 World Cup

Former BCCI official Makarand Waingankar has said that the selectors should fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the Indian ODI set-up ahead of the 2027 World Cup. He said that the attacking potential that the batter possesses is akin to the impact that Sanath Jayasuriya had in 1996. The discussion has gained momentum after Sooryavanshi’s brilliant Zimbabwe exploits that saw him clinch the Player of the Series award and coach VVS Laxman’s acknowledgement of his maturity but also pointed out fitness as an area to work on.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi backed to open in ODIs, Gill suggested for No. 4

Following Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s composed show during the Zimbabwe tour, former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has urged the selectors to include the young batter in India’s ODI squad. “I think the teenager is ready to take up the vacant role in the 50-over format,” he said.

The engineer also recommended a change in India’s batting order, saying Sooryavanshi should open with Rohit Sharma while Shubman Gill should be pushed down to the No. 4 slot. “Best case scenario is Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Gill is a top-flight player. “I think Gill is the best batsman in the side now. "So Gill should be coming at four," Farokh Engineer told PTI.

Why ex-cricketers are rooting for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is developing so fast that even the experienced observers are surprised. Many young batters take a few seasons to get into top-level cricket but he has demonstrated the confidence to attack quality bowling from day one.

One of his biggest strengths is his fearless approach. He has looked comfortable against fast bowlers in the powerplay in franchise cricket as well for India while maintaining an aggressive scoring rate. Former cricketers said India has a chance to groom a potential match-winner much before the 2027 World Cup instead of fast-tracking his development closer to the tournament.

Another reason for their support is his temper. Sooryavanshi has been under the spotlight in his career but he has continued to bat with maturity and confidence to suggest he can be able to handle the pressure of representing India.

Many experts also feel that exposing young players to international cricket early often helps them grow faster, provided, of course, that expectations are realistic.

What, Exactly, Has Been Said?

Former Mumbai chief selector Makarand Waingankar has publicly called on the Indian selectors to start prepping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes that when players of that quality are showing they can do it against quality opposition, they shouldn’t be left hanging. Waingankar believes that India should play bilateral ODI series in the next year to make the youngsters understand the demands of the 50-over game.

Other ex-cricketers have echoed similar sentiments, citing his fearless batting style and quick adaptability after shifting to higher levels of competition. Meanwhile, VVS Laxman emphasized that talent is not enough. He has spoken of the need to build fitness, to better manage workload and to ensure young players are physically ready for the rigours that come with a busy international schedule. The message from former players is simple: don’t rush exceptional talent, but don’t ignore it either.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Rise

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reached the top in a very short span of time. In IPL 2026 he announced himself with a bang, playing some attacking innings against experienced bowlers and becoming one of the most exciting young players in the tournament in no time. That success paved the way to international cricket. He won his India debut soon after and took the same positive attitude to the international stage.

The Zimbabwe T20I series added more weight to his reputation. He consistently performed at the top of the order and ended the series with brilliant showings that saw him bag the Player of the Series award.

Sooryavanshi has looked comfortable at every new level which is one of the biggest reasons why experts are talking about his long-term future so early.

Will he make 2027 World Cup squad?

The debate on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi s World Cup prospects is heating up but the selectors will have to contend with several factors. There is already a competition for places among experienced opening batters in India, so the competition is very tough. The selectors would also take into account if Sooryavanshi gets enough exposure in the ODIs before the tournament.

T20 success does not automatically translate into success in the 50-over format where patience, construction of innings and awareness of the game become equally important.

The bilateral ODI series over the next 12 months may be the opportunities to see if he can adapt to longer innings while still being his natural attacking self. This is a conversation about the India World Cup squad at this stage, not a decision as of now so that remains to be seen, but it is a conversation, not an announcement, and speculation.

Strengths That Will Make Him A Superstar"

Sooryavanshi has some qualities which have made ex-players believe that he is worth considering seriously for future plans of India.

• Offensive Stroke Play
He naturally goes after bowlers from the start of an innings, creating pressure on opponents in the powerplay.

• Fearless Attitude
Age has never appeared to take away his confidence. He keeps playing positive cricket no matter who the opposition is.

• Powerplay advantage
His ability to make the most of field restrictions makes him a valuable option at the top of the order.

• Quick Adaptation
Sooryavanshi has settled in pretty quickly, whether it is from domestic to IPL or from IPL to international cricket.

The Challenge of World Cup Selection

Despite his impressive rise, there are still several challenges to overcome before Sooryavanshi can realistically become a World Cup contender.

• Fitness Development
“Young cricketers have to keep raising their physical standards to cope with the international workload,” VVS Laxman said.

• ODI Experience
“We will have to gain experience in different conditions before we play in a World Cup.

• Dealing with Pressure
“Major ICC tournaments bring a different kind of pressure compared to bilateral series.

• Homogeneity
One of the biggest tests of his development will be to continue to perform against stronger bowling attacks over a period of time.

CricLegacy Expert s View Analysis

Understandable then, are the calls to fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi given his performances, but India must balance excitement with long-term planning. Indian cricket has had a history of teenage prodigies emerging. Some did great when introduced slowly, others broke under the weight of expectation. The lesson is that talent needs structure, not to be rushed by public pressure. If he keeps improving at this rate, Sooryavanshi could well be a viable option for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

But the selectors will have to be patient and build his experience in bilateral ODI cricket and overseas tours in testing conditions before they can expect him to perform on the biggest stage. With proper handling, India could have another long-term opening batter who could carry the team for years post-2027.

Timeline

Common Questions

Q1. Why ex-cricketers backing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Former players feel his quick development, fearless batting style and adaptability make him a strong long-term prospect for India’s ODI future.

Q2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi selected in India s ODI team?
Till now he has not cemented his place as a regular member of India’s ODI setup. There is some debate about whether he should be eased in ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Q3. Can he play in the World Cup in 2027?
It is definitely an option but no decision has been taken. His performances, fitness and ODI development in the next year will be a big factor.

Q4. VVS Laxman on him?
Stressing on the need for youngsters to keep improving their fitness and physical development while coming up in international cricket, VVS Laxman said,

Q5. What are his best qualities?
He is known for his aggressive stroke play, fearless mindset, powerplay batting, and ability to adapt quickly.

Concluding Remarks

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s phenomenal rise has created real excitement among former cricketers and Indian fans. His IPL and international cricket performances indicate that he has the potential to be a key player for India in future. But his inclusion in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup squad will be decided on consistent performances, continued fitness development and effective adaptation to ODI cricket. The calls for him to be fast-tracked are, for now, more about faith in his potential than confidence in his selection.

At the current rate of progress, Sooryavanshi could be one of the defining young faces of Indian cricket for the next decade.