Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has predicted that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could become a genuine game-changer for India at next year's ODI World Cup, following the teenager's much-anticipated T20I debut against England at Old Trafford.

Sooryavanshi officially became the youngest cricketer to play international cricket for India on Saturday, replacing Sanju Samson in the XI at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The decision came after India had kept him out of the two T20Is in Ireland and the series opener in Chester-le-Street.

On his debut, the youngster offered a glimpse of his potential, smashing a nine-ball 14 that included towering sixes off Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue before being stumped.

Sivaramakrishnan, however, believes India should look beyond the shortest format and give Sooryavanshi consistent opportunities in ODIs as well.

"He sure should get a chance at the upcoming 50-over World Cup if he does exceedingly well in the T20 format. He should get an opportunity because he's going to be a match-winner," Sivaramakrishnan said. "When he scores runs, he's going to be a match-winner in all formats of white-ball cricket."

The selectors face a congested one-day batting line-up, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal all competing for opening spots ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Africa. Whether Sooryavanshi will be blooded in ODIs may depend on his T20I performances.

The young opener's domestic record is already notable, with 38 senior and youth one-day appearances, including 1,412 runs and four centuries in 25 Youth ODIs. His exploits in the IPL, where he has made 34 T20 appearances with a strike rate well above 160, helped force his way into the national reckoning.

Sivaramakrishnan also urged captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir to back the youngster with a long rope.

"He should be given a fair amount of chances with white ball cricket and see how he performs. He should continue. I mean, there's no point in blooding a youngster and giving him a break or resting him. He doesn't need rest. He can keep playing right throughout the year," he said.

"Once you decide to play him, you have got to give him ample opportunities. Remember, he is an investment for the next 20 years.

I think what Vaibhav needs now is a lot of support from the coach, the captain, and the rest of the players. Even if he does not do well in a few games, he should be backed. He should be continued."