Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has backed Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad to be included in India’s playing XI. While Gill has been picked as the vice-captain for the limited-overs format, Gaikwad has been ignored for the ongoing Sri Lanka tour despite performing decently against Zimbabwe in the five-match T20I series.
Gaikwad scored 133 runs in three innings in a recently concluded five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at an average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 158.33 and thus was in decent form.
The right-hander was also the second highest run-getter in IPL 2024 as he scored 583 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53 while leading Chennai Super Kings for the first time.
Gill, on the other hand, scored 170 runs in five matches against Zimbabwe. Gill scored 426 runs in 12 matches at an average of 38.73 and a strike rate of 147.40 while leading Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024.
“Why can’t we have both of them because they’re just good players. Their numbers speak for itself, both have phenomenal numbers in T20 cricket. You can’t pick between the two. If we look at consistency, you will see that Ruturaj is a little more consistent as far as numbers are concerned. But Shubman Gill gives you the versatility of having touch and power as well,” stated Uthappa on Sony Sports.
Uthappa believes Gaikwad and Gill are all-format players and they can be included in the playing XI together.
“It’s hard to pick between the two of them, ideally you would like to have both of them to play and why shouldn’t India have both of them play is what I’m asking because both of them are all format players.”
On the other hand, former Sri Lanka batter Russell Arnold picked Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad as he feels the former has more solidity in his game.
“I will go for Shubman Gill because I feel there’s lot of solidity about him. The players around him have flair and the he can change gears whenever he wishes. He’s a different type of player to the rest of the Indian players not power cricket but he will get it into different areas,” said Arnold.
The third and final T20I of the series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Pallekele on Tuesday.
