Shubman Gill vs Ruturaj Gaikwad - Who Is A Better Prospect For Team India?

Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad (X)Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad (X)

In Indian cricket, the focus often shifts between rising stars, and two names at the forefront of the discussion are Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill. Both players have showcased immense talent across formats, yet the burning question remains: who is the better prospect for India moving forward?

With both players having faced a series of highs and lows recently, it’s time to dive deep into their performances and explore their suitability for India’s cricketing future.

The Tale of Two Openers

Both Gaikwad and Gill have been entrusted with the responsibility of opening for India in multiple formats, but they’ve walked two very different paths in terms of consistency and impact.

Shubman Gill: The Streaky Performer

Shubman Gill, often hailed as the Prince of Indian cricket, has had his moments of brilliance, but his recent form across formats has raised eyebrows.

In the IND vs SL ODI series 2024, Gill managed just 57 runs in 3 innings at a disappointing average of 19.00 and a strike rate of 61.29. His scores of 6 (14), 35 (44), and 16 (35) depict a batsman struggling to find rhythm.

Even in the T20I format, which often demands quick-fire starts, Gill has seen better days. In the same series against Sri Lanka, Gill could only muster 73 runs in 2 innings with an average of 36.50 and a strike rate of 137.74, including a laboured 39 (37) in the third T20I.

Despite this, Gill's Test performances still leave the door ajar. His stellar show against England in March 2024, where he racked up 452 runs in 9 innings at an average of 56.50, including two centuries, showcased his true potential.

However, inconsistency remains his Achilles’ heel. His abysmal run in the World Test Championship final and subsequent failures against South Africa and West Indies, where he averaged 18.50 and 22.50 respectively, bring his ability to handle pressure into question.

Gill's leadership stint in the Duleep Trophy 2024 was equally underwhelming, where he could manage only 46 runs across two innings, raising concerns about his long-term form.

Ruturaj Gaikwad: A Picture of Composure

If Gill has struggled, Gaikwad has seized his opportunities with both hands. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, especially in the red-ball format. In the Duleep Trophy 2024, Gaikwad amassed 171 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42.75.

His scores of 58 (74) and 62 (93) in the recent game for IND C vs IND B showed his ability to anchor innings, while his attacking stroke play remained intact, as reflected in his strike rate of 73.08.

Moving to the shorter formats, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s T20I performances have been equally impressive. In the series against Zimbabwe in July 2024, he scored 133 runs in 3 innings at an astounding average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 158.33.

His knock of 77 (47) in the second T20I was a masterclass in pacing an innings, showing his ability to play with both caution and aggression—qualities that make him a standout opener.

On the ODI front, Gaikwad hasn’t gotten many opportunities. He has just played six matches and the right-hander can’t be judged based on such small sample size.

Who Should India Invest In?

Righ now, Ruturaj Gaikwad appears to be the safer bet for India. While both players have displayed brilliance at different points in their careers, Gaikwad’s consistency and ability to adapt to different formats make him a more reliable choice.

His temperament in red-ball cricket, as seen in the Duleep Trophy along with his ability to accelerate in T20Is, gives him an edge over Gill, whose form has been a roller-coaster ride.

However, to write off Shubman Gill would be to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Gill’s potential in Test cricket, especially on home soil, remains immense. If he can iron out his inconsistency and respond to pressure situations, his talent could still see him shine brightly for India.

Conclusion: Gill or Gaikwad?

The road ahead for both Gill and Gaikwad will be full of opportunities, but only one can truly seize the mantle of India’s preferred opener. As things stand, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s calmness under fire and well-rounded game across formats make him a slightly better prospect.

Shubman Gill, though streaky, has the talent to bounce back and may yet have a larger role to play, especially in Test cricket. 

For now, however, it’s Gaikwad who holds the edge in the race to be India’s next great opener. If Gaikwad continues on his current trajectory, India’s future at the top order across formats will be in very safe hands.