I couldn’t believe it: Ricky Ponting on India not picking Shubman Gill in T20 World Cup squad
The T20 World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and the cricketing world is abuzz with excitement. As teams begin to announce their squads for the tournament, there have been some surprising omissions. One such omission that has left many cricket fans and experts stunned is the exclusion of Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is one of them, and he recently expressed his disbelief at Gill’s snub.
Ponting, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, said he was surprised by the decision to leave Gill out of the squad. “I’m surprised, but…it just shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Ponting said. “If you can think that someone as good as Gill doesn’t get picked in World Cup squad…then it goes to show how many good players they have,” he added. These comments from Ponting highlight the immense talent that India has at its disposal, but also raise questions about the selection process.
Gill, who has been in impressive form in recent times, was expected to be a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad. The young batsman has been scoring runs consistently across formats and has shown his ability to perform under pressure. His exclusion from the squad has come as a shock to many, and Ponting’s comments reflect the sentiment of the cricketing community.
Ponting’s statement also underscores the depth of Indian cricket. The country has a vast pool of talented players, and the competition for spots in the national team is fierce. The fact that someone as talented as Gill can be left out of the squad speaks to the riches of Indian cricket. However, it also raises questions about the selection criteria and whether the best players are being chosen for the tournament.
The T20 World Cup is a high-pressure tournament that requires teams to have a strong squad with a good balance of experience and youth. India’s squad for the tournament will be under intense scrutiny, and the decision to leave Gill out will be closely watched. While Ponting’s comments are a testament to Gill’s abilities, they also highlight the challenges that India’s selectors face in choosing the right squad for the tournament.
The exclusion of Gill from the squad has sparked a debate about the selection process and whether the right players are being chosen for the tournament. While some have argued that Gill’s form and talent make him a deserving candidate for the squad, others have pointed to the strengths of other players who have been included. The debate is a testament to the passion and interest that cricket generates in India and around the world.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, the focus will shift from squad selection to the tournament itself. India will be one of the favorites to win the tournament, and their squad will be under intense pressure to perform. While Gill’s exclusion from the squad is a surprise, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make a name for themselves.
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s comments on Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad reflect the surprise and shock that many cricket fans and experts feel. The decision to leave Gill out of the squad highlights the depth of Indian cricket, but also raises questions about the selection process. As the tournament approaches, the focus will shift from squad selection to the cricket itself, and India’s squad will be under intense scrutiny. One thing is certain, however – the T20 World Cup 2026 promises to be an exciting and thrilling tournament, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching the action unfold.
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