Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa reckons it will be a difficult selection decision for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma to choose one between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. While Rahul has performed consistently in ODIs while batting at number five, Pant will make a comeback in the 50-overs format after a long hiatus.

Rahul was not part of the T20 World Cup squad whereas Pant was able to get into the squad on the back of impressive performances in the IPL. The left-hander scored 171 runs in eight matches of the T20I showpiece at an average of 24.42 and a strike rate of 127.61 and played a key role in India’s successful campaign. 

Robin Uthappa said on Sony Sports, “Both have been incredible and their numbers have been really good. Rahul’s numbers in ODI cricket have been exceptional, and Pant has just had an incredible T20 World Cup. His personal journey has been quite incredible over the last two and a half years. So it’s a tough choice. To be in Gambhir and Rohit’s shoes, it’s going to be a hard one.”

With India having a solid bench strength, Uthappa reckons it is imperative for the players, who get their chances, to grab their opportunities with both hands.

“With this new combination of the leadership group, we need to see who is preferred. As players, every opportunity that comes their way is going to be a really important one and players will have to grab it with both hands. So wishing both of them the best of luck and I hope the best man wins.”

India will play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka in the upcoming tour, which will be Gautam Gambhir’s maiden assignment as the team’s head coach.