"Why can’t we have both of them?"- Robin Uthappa calls for both Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad's inclusion in India's XI

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa felt the side could play Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill in the XI when asked to pick between the two. While Gill has been appointed India's white-ball vice-captain, Gaikwad has been left out of the T20I and ODI squads for the ongoing Sri Lankan tour.

Team India recently won the 2024 T20 World Cup but the T20I retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have opened up opportunities for the young duo to stake their claim.

Speaking to the Sony Sports Network after India's win in the second T20I over Sri Lanka, Uthappa asked why Gaikwad and Gill could not be part of the playing XI instead of just one.

"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.

He added:

"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."

For the record, Gaikwad trumps Gill in terms of T20I numbers with an average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.53 compared to the latter's 29.94 and 142.59 average-strike rate combination.

"I will go for Shubman Gill because I feel there’s lot of solidity about him" - Russell Arnold

Gill has been a powerhouse performer for India in ODIs [Credit: Getty]

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russell Arnold had no hesitation in picking Shubman Gill over Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Indian lineup.

While Gill boasts incredible ODI numbers with an average of over 60 and a strike rate of 103.46, he has struggled to replicate that success in the other formats. Yet, Gaikwad has also struggled in ODIs with a sub-20 average and hasn't featured in Tests for India.

“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.

Gill scored a breezy 16-ball 34 in India's 43-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I but missed the second outing due to a neck spasm.

However, his absence had no impact as India won by seven wickets to clinch the series with one game left.